Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Recipe NZ: Quick & Tasty Meal

Stir-fries are a beloved staple in many New Zealand households, and for good reason. They’re quick, versatile, and a fantastic way to enjoy a rainbow of fresh vegetables alongside tender, juicy chicken.

This Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry recipe NZ brings together some of the best local produce and classic Asian-inspired flavors, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping for a casual lunch, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and nutrients without compromising on taste.

Using simple ingredients that you can find easily in New Zealand supermarkets, this stir-fry is designed to be accessible and delicious. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in extra veggies for the whole family.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a true lifesaver for those looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this tasty, colorful, and nourishing meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy Kiwi lifestyles.

The stir-fry method locks in the freshness and crunch of the vegetables while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. The balanced combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates an authentic and tasty sauce that enhances every bite.

Another highlight is the nutritional punch – packed with lean protein and a variety of colorful vegetables, it’s a healthy, nutrient-dense meal that fuels your body. It’s also highly adaptable, so you can easily swap in your favourite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavour)
• 500g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 red capsicum, sliced into thin strips
• 1 green capsicum, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 100g broccoli florets
• 100g snow peas, trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 spring onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for richer flavour)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
• Cooked jasmine or basmati rice, to serve
• Fresh coriander or toasted sesame seeds, to garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large wok or large frying pan
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for cornflour slurry

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Thinly slice the chicken breast and set aside. Wash and slice all vegetables as described in the ingredients list.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, and set aside.
3. Heat the wok: Place your wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the base.
4. Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the hot wok in a single layer. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown. Remove from the wok and set aside.
5. Stir-fry the aromatics: Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the vegetables: Add the carrot, broccoli, snow peas, and capsicum strips. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, keeping the veggies crunchy but tender.
7. Return chicken to wok: Add the cooked chicken back into the wok with the vegetables, stirring to combine.
8. Add the sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
9. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornflour slurry to recombine and pour it into the wok. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken and vegetables.
10. Finish with spring onions: Toss in the chopped spring onions and give a final stir.
11. Serve: Spoon the stir-fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, and garnish with fresh coriander or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a sliced red chili or a dash of chili flakes while stir-frying the aromatics.

You can easily swap out the vegetables for whatever is in season or your personal favourites. Try adding sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy to mix things up!

For a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and check oyster sauce labels or omit it entirely.

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh – just press and cube them before frying. If you like a nuttier flavour, drizzle a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil right at the end of cooking.

Want to make this recipe even quicker? Use pre-cut stir-fry vegetable mixes available at many New Zealand supermarkets.

And if you love Asian-inspired meals, check out our vibrant Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or quinoa.

To make it a more complete meal, add a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh Asian-style cucumber salad. A simple miso soup or clear broth with seaweed and tofu can round out your meal perfectly.

If you’re interested in other wholesome recipes that combine vegetables and protein, you might enjoy our Chicken and Veggies in Oven Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals or explore more vegetable-forward dishes with our California Blend Veggies Recipes for Quick Healthy Meal.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry recipe is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

Using fresh New Zealand produce and simple pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time, making it ideal for busy families and solo cooks alike.

Stir-fries are endlessly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with your favourite vegetables, proteins, and sauces to create a version that’s uniquely yours. With minimal fuss and maximum flavour, this recipe embodies the best of Kiwi home cooking – fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.

For more recipes that celebrate vegetables and wholesome meals, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the indulgent yet healthy Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

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