Chicken stir fry with vegetables is a classic, vibrant dish that brings together the best of fresh produce and tender chicken in a quick, flavorful meal. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a nutritious dinner or a cooking enthusiast eager to create something delicious and colorful, this recipe fits every need.
The perfect balance of crisp vegetables, succulent chicken pieces, and a savory sauce makes this stir fry a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and perfect for any season.
What makes this dish truly stand out is its simplicity and versatility. You can use your favorite vegetables or whatever is fresh and in season.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to pack a lot of nutrients into one meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in under 30 minutes, this chicken stir fry recipe will soon become a family favorite, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Let’s dive into the best chicken stir fry with vegetables recipe you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken stir fry recipe is:
- Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and a rainbow of fresh vegetables.
- Flexible: Customize with your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
- Flavor-packed: A delicious sauce that balances sweet, salty, and umami notes.
- Perfect for leftovers: Keeps well and tastes great reheated for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Equipment
- Large wok or skillet
- Sharp knife for slicing vegetables and chicken
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls for marinating and sauce preparation
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
- Rice cooker or pot for cooking rice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts against the grain into bite-sized strips. This helps keep the chicken tender during cooking.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Prep the vegetables: Wash and slice all vegetables as directed. Keep them ready to go since stir frying is a quick process.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir fry until cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Stir fry the veggies: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the wok. Toss in garlic and ginger, sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add carrot, broccoli, and bell pepper first, stir fry for 3 minutes. Then add zucchini and green onions, stir fry another 2 minutes or until veggies are tender-crisp.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve hot: Garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce.
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap broccoli and bell peppers for snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy for variety.
- Protein options: Substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, shrimp, or beef strips for a different twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinate the chicken in half the sauce for 15-20 minutes before cooking to boost flavor.
- Prep ahead: Chop all vegetables and slice chicken in advance for quicker cooking after work.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This chicken stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a nutritious boost. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own as a hearty, protein-packed meal.
For added texture and flavor, serve with a side of fresh spring rolls or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can enhance the flavors even more.
If you’re interested in exploring more vegetable-forward recipes, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a sweet treat like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
For baking enthusiasts, don’t miss the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals.
Conclusion
Chicken stir fry with vegetables is the ultimate quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into any lifestyle. Its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and deliciously balanced sauce make it a recipe you’ll return to time and again.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish offers a tasty way to enjoy lean protein and a variety of nutritious veggies in one bowl.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can create this restaurant-quality stir fry at home. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, so feel free to customize it based on what’s in your pantry or your personal taste preferences.
Next time you want a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and wholesome, this chicken stir fry will be your go-to. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables
Description: A quick and healthy chicken stir fry loaded with colorful vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas; stir fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Pour cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 18 g
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