When it comes to quick, wholesome meals that satisfy both your taste buds and your schedule, a chicken and frozen vegetable stir fry is a fantastic choice. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or anytime you want a nutritious dinner without the hassle of chopping countless fresh vegetables.
Using frozen veggies not only cuts down prep time but also ensures you have a colorful medley of nutrients right at your fingertips. The tender chicken pieces get beautifully coated in a savory sauce, melding perfectly with the crisp-tender vegetables for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this stir fry is incredibly forgiving and versatile. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables into your diet without any fuss.
From the sizzle of the skillet to the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire. Ready to whip up a delicious, healthy meal in under 30 minutes?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken and frozen vegetable stir fry recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Using frozen vegetables means you can enjoy a diverse array of veggies year-round without worrying about spoilage or prep time.
The chicken provides a lean protein boost, making this dish satisfying and balanced.
The recipe is highly adaptable—swap in your favorite frozen veggies, adjust the sauce to your liking, or add some heat with chili flakes. It’s an ideal option for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen.
Plus, the one-pan cooking method means minimal cleanup, which is always a win!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, peas, and bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken brown nicely in the pan.
- Heat the oil: Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to get a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken: Stir the chicken and continue cooking until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add frozen vegetables: Toss the frozen mixed vegetables into the pan. Stir frequently as they cook. Since they’re frozen, it will take about 5-7 minutes for them to become tender-crisp.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Return chicken to pan: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to combine with the veggies and sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
“Using frozen vegetables is a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise flavor or nutrition. Just be sure to avoid overcrowding the pan to keep veggies crisp-tender.”
- Protein swaps: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef strips instead of chicken for variety.
- Vegetable options: Feel free to mix in your favorite frozen veggies like snap peas, corn, or green beans. For fresh veggies, add them last to avoid overcooking.
- Sauce alternatives: Replace oyster sauce with hoisin or teriyaki sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Spice it up: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 700 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs beautifully with a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Add a side of steamed dumplings or a light Asian-inspired salad with sesame dressing to complete the meal.
To add some crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top just before serving. A wedge of lime on the side can also brighten the dish and add a fresh zing.
Conclusion
The chicken and frozen vegetable stir fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, nutritious meal in no time. Its ease, adaptability, and vibrant flavors make it a staple recipe for anyone who wants to eat well without fuss.
The use of frozen vegetables ensures you always have a rainbow of nutrients on hand, while the lean chicken packs in the protein.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Don’t forget to explore more exciting vegetable dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful treat like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
For bread lovers, try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals perfectly.
Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a wholesome, tasty dinner that comes together quickly and leaves you feeling great!
📖 Recipe Card: Chicken and Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry
Description: A quick and healthy stir fry combining tender chicken with a mix of frozen vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and stir fry for 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water.
- Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and cook until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 15 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chicken and Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and healthy stir fry combining tender chicken with a mix of frozen vegetables. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced”, “3 cups frozen mixed vegetables”, “2 tbsp vegetable oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated”, “1/4 cup soy sauce”, “1 tbsp oyster sauce”, “1 tbsp cornstarch”, “1/4 cup water”, “1 tsp sesame oil”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 green onions, sliced (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger; saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add frozen mixed vegetables and stir fry for 5 minutes until heated through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour sauce mixture into the skillet and cook until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}