Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Whip up a delicious chicken stir fry with veggies in minutes with this vibrant, healthy, and quick recipe perfect for any weeknight meal. This dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re in a hurry or looking to impress with minimal fuss, chicken stir fry with veggies is your go-to option for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein for a balanced meal.
  • Flavor-Packed: A perfect combination of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors in every bite.
  • Easy to Customize: Swap veggies or sauces to suit your taste or dietary needs effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this chicken stir fry with veggies lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that offer an amazing variety of textures and flavors. Using everyday pantry staples and fresh produce, this recipe is easy to pull together and bursting with color and taste.

  • Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
  • Bell peppers: Adds vibrant color and sweetness to the dish.
  • Broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutritional boost.
  • Carrots: For a hint of natural sweetness and extra texture.
  • Garlic and ginger: The aromatic duo elevates flavor with warmth and zest.
  • Soy sauce: Adds umami richness and seasoning.
  • Sesame oil: A few drops give the dish a subtle, nutty aroma.
  • Green onions: Fresh garnish and mild onion flavor.
  • Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce and giving a glossy finish.
  • Vegetable oil: For stir-frying everything to perfection without sticking.

Variations for Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

This recipe is a fantastic base that’s incredibly easy to adapt. Feel free to mix and match veggies or tweak sauces to suit your cravings or dietary requirements.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or sliced fresh chilies for heat.
  • Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for variety.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Extra Crunch: Toss in snap peas, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots.
  • Sweet Twist: Add a splash of honey or pineapple chunks to the stir fry sauce.
Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Slice the chicken thinly against the grain to keep it tender, and chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger to release their fragrant oils and set everything aside for easy reach.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, a teaspoon of cornstarch, a little water, and a touch of sesame oil. This simple combination will create a luscious sauce that coats every piece of chicken and veggie perfectly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok on medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, stirring occasionally until it turns golden and is just cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add the carrots and broccoli first as they take longer to cook, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes, then add bell peppers and any quick-cooking veggies, tossing everything until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Garnish with fresh green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

  • Prep Ahead: Chop all veggies and slice chicken beforehand for a faster cooking process.
  • High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures a quick stir fry that locks in flavor and keeps veggies crisp.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of frying.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your vegetables and chicken, the brighter the dish tastes.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning and sauce to your preference before the final step.

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch that brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this chicken stir fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or even noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your chicken stir fry in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pack it into meal prep containers for vibrant work lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled chicken stir fry with veggies to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months, but note that vegetables like bell peppers may soften after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for best texture or microwave for convenience, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and offer a richer flavor, but they may take a little longer to cook.

What vegetables work best in chicken stir fry with veggies?

Crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms work beautifully by providing texture and color.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

By substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, you can make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make this stir fry spicier?

Add chili flakes, fresh chopped chili, or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process for an extra kick.

Can I turn this into a vegetarian or vegan dish?

Yes! Simply swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken stock if your sauce calls for it.

Final Thoughts

Chicken stir fry with veggies is one of those go-to meals that delivers on taste, speed, and nutrition every single time. With fresh ingredients, an easy technique, and endless ways to customize, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. So grab your wok, chop your veggies, and enjoy a colorful, mouthwatering meal you can feel great about!

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Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using tamari or coconut aminos)

Description

A vibrant and healthy chicken stir fry with crisp vegetables and a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick and balanced weeknight meal. Tender chicken breast and colorful veggies are cooked to perfection and coated in a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce, making it a delicious and customizable dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sauce & Oils

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken thinly against the grain for tenderness, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger to release their flavors. Set all ingredients aside for easy access.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Mix until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, creating a smooth sauce that will coat the chicken and vegetables.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and stir occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more vegetable oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add carrots and broccoli first, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add bell peppers and any other quick-cooking vegetables, tossing everything until tender-crisp.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Prep all vegetables and slice chicken ahead of time to speed up cooking.
  • Use high heat for stir frying to lock in flavors and keep vegetables crisp.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
  • Adjust seasoning and sauce to taste before finishing the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: chicken stir fry, healthy dinner, quick meal, stir fry veggies, lean protein, weeknight recipe, gluten free option

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