Stir fry dishes are a fantastic way to combine fresh ingredients into a delicious, colorful, and healthy meal in no time. This Chicken and Veg Stir Fry recipe is no exception, offering a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce.
Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a vibrant dish, this stir fry is versatile, flavorful, and easy to customize. The best part?
It cooks in just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without compromising on nutrition or taste.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the essential ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to create a perfectly balanced stir fry. Plus, I’ll share tips to elevate your dish and variations you can try to keep things exciting.
Ready to bring a burst of flavor and color to your dinner table? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Veg Stir Fry is a true weeknight hero. It combines lean protein with a rainbow of vegetables that retain their crunch and nutrients thanks to quick, high-heat cooking.
The savory sauce is perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and umami, enhancing every bite without overpowering the natural flavors.
It’s also incredibly flexible. You can swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or even turn it into a vegetarian meal by replacing chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and reduce food waste.
Best of all, this recipe is a one-pan wonder, meaning cleanup is minimal and you get a wholesome meal on the table fast. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this stir fry is a reliable, delicious option that will quickly become a staple in your cooking routine.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil for stir frying
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Equipment
- Large wok or skillet – for high-heat stir frying
- Sharp knife – for slicing chicken and vegetables
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl – to toss sauce ingredients
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring
- Small bowl – for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Slice the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts against the grain for tenderness. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken slices in a single layer and stir fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from wok and set aside.
- Stir fry the aromatics: Add remaining oil to the wok. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add vegetables: Start with broccoli and carrots as they take longer to cook. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, then add bell peppers, zucchini, and green onions. Cook another 3-4 minutes until veggies are bright and tender-crisp.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir continuously. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately: Plate your stir fry over cooked rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients.
Vegetable swaps: Feel free to use snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy based on what’s in season or your preference. Frozen vegetables also work well if fresh aren’t available.
Protein alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chili peppers for a spicy kick.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
More flavor: Toasted sesame oil added at the end of cooking adds a wonderful nutty aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fat | 10g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 7g |
Sodium | 850mg |
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles like udon or soba. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
To elevate the meal, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or simple miso soup. For a full Asian-inspired dinner, consider pairing it with Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or a refreshing Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Veg Stir Fry recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire, combining speed, health, and flavor in one pan. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein and a variety of vibrant vegetables.
The beauty of stir fry is in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand or prefer.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this recipe guarantees a satisfying, nutritious dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. For more inspiration on healthy, delicious dishes, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore quick, wholesome meals like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Chicken and Veg Stir Fry
Description: A quick and healthy chicken stir fry loaded with colorful vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas; stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture.
- Cook until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender-crisp, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g
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