Chicken Kimchi Stir Fry Recipe - Cookin Canuck Easy Dinner Recipe (2024)

Published: Jun 8, 2020 · Modified: Apr 24, 2023 by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 3 Comments

15 minute recipe! This easy Chicken Kimchi Stir Fry recipe boasts veggies, lean protein, probiotics and tons of flavor all in one dish. 204 calories and 2 Weight Watchers SP

Stir fry is one of the stars of the 30-minute meals world and this chicken kimchi stir fry recipe puts a new spin on one of our favorite meals. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, my Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice is another easy option.

Grab a bottle of kimchi at the grocery store (or make your own), chop some chicken and zucchini, and cook it in about 15 minutes flat!

Along with amazing flavor (hello, garlic and chilies), you get all of the probiotic benefits that fermented foods like kimchi have to offer.

Serve this recipe with stir-fried veggie dishes such as Miso Green Beans and Vegetable Quinoa Stir Fry.

What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that is a staple in Korean cuisine. It’s often made with cabbage, similar to sauerkraut, but with far more spice and zip than sauerkraut. Think garlic, ginger and chilies. Good stuff!

Kimchi can be found in the refrigerated food section of many grocery stores, with more and more local brands showing up each month.

While kimchi is known for its flavor, it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to gut health. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which help to form health gut bacteria. See this study for more info.

Can I use substitute other ingredients?

Yes! One of the benefits of stir fries is that they’re incredibly versatile.

Prefer a vegetarian meal or don’t have chicken breasts on hand? No problem.

For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken and add tofu instead.

If you prefer to stick with meat, try chicken thighs, sliced pork tenderloin or shrimp instead of chicken breasts.

In place of zucchini, use broccoli, snap peas, snow peas, yellow squash, mushrooms or asparagus – or a combination of veggies.

Tips for making this chicken kimchi stir fry

This stir fry really is simple to put together and follows the same formula of most stir fry recipes.

My number one tip for cooking any stir fry is to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Since stir fries are cooked at high heat, things move quickly! You don’t want to be caught chopping when it’s time to add the next ingredient.

Start by cooking the chopped chicken breasts. I do this in two batches, which allows the chicken to brown a bit rather than steaming. If you cook all of the chicken at once, the chicken will start to release a lot of liquid, which inhibits any browning.

Zucchini slices always cook faster than I expect and I’m not a fan of overcooked zucchini (I mean, who is, right?) Cook until it is just tender – it will continue to cook when the rest of ingredients are added.

Stir in the kimchi, some liquid from the kimchi bottle, and a little soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook until heated through, which will take just a minute or so.

Other healthy stir fry recipes:

Chicken Wonton Stir Fry {Cookin’ Canuck}
Thai Shrimp Stir Fry {Cookin’ Canuck}
Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce {Jessica in the Kitchen}

Printable Recipe

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