Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe

Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

If you’re searching for a quick and flavorful dinner that bursts with vibrant colors and wholesome nutrients, this Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken pieces with crunchy vegetables in a savory sauce that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
  • Loaded with Veggies: A colorful mix of vegetables adds texture, flavor, and plenty of nutrients.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences without losing any flavor.
  • Healthy and Balanced: Combines lean protein with fiber-rich vegetables for a nutritious meal.
  • One-Pan Cooking: Minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor by cooking everything together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one adds its own unique touch, from savory chicken to crisp veggies and a tasty sauce that brings everything to life.

  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and juicy texture.
  • Bell Peppers: Add vibrant color and a sweet crunch that balances the savory chicken.
  • Broccoli Florets: Brings a hearty bite and loads of nutrients.
  • Carrots: Thinly sliced for sweetness and an appealing pop of orange.
  • Soy Sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for aromatic depth and a zesty kick.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty flavor that’s signature to stir fry dishes.
  • Green Onions: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and garnish.
  • Optional Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.

Variations for Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to swap or add ingredients to suit what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Adapting it is a breeze and keeps the meal exciting every time.

  • Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef strips instead of chicken for different textures and flavors.
  • Vegetable Variety: Try snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn to change the veggie mix.
  • Spice It Up: Add red chili flakes or sriracha to bring a fiery edge.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free stir fry.
  • Sweet Twist: A splash of honey or maple syrup balances the soy sauce with a subtle sweetness.
Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and washing and chopping all your vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger finely to release all their flavors.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and optionally a bit of cornstarch and water. This mixture will coat your chicken and veggies with a delicious glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry until they are golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then toss in garlic and ginger. Quickly stir fry until fragrant before adding the vegetables. Cook until the veggies are just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every delicious bite.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat, scatter chopped green onions on top, and give it one last toss before serving piping hot.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

  • Prep Ahead: Cut all your ingredients before you start cooking to keep the stir fry moving quickly.
  • High Heat: Use a wok or large skillet on high heat for that perfect sear and crunch.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed so everything cooks evenly without steaming.
  • Uniform Cuts: Chop veggies and chicken into similar sizes for even cooking and texture.
  • Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These make a huge difference compared to powders or pastes.

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies with toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles to soak up the savory sauce and balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your stir fry in a vibrant bowl topped with crunchy peanuts or cashews for texture, or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies freezes well in portions; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add richer flavor and tend to stay more tender during cooking, making them an excellent choice for this recipe.

How do I make the stir fry gluten-free?

Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, both of which are gluten-free alternatives that work perfectly in this dish.

What vegetables work best in chicken stir fry?

Classic choices like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms create great texture and flavor, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Yes, replacing chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and using gluten-free tamari will make a delicious vegan version of this vibrant stir fry.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and stays tasty for several days, which makes it a perfect meal prep option for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a busy day—simple, satisfying, and bursting with fresh flavors. Give it a try tonight; I promise you’ll love how easy it is to whip up a healthy, colorful meal that hits all the right notes. Happy cooking!

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Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies

A quick and flavorful Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies recipe featuring tender chicken pieces and crunchy vegetables tossed in a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is healthy, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs – boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • Bell Peppers – sliced, for color and sweetness
  • Broccoli Florets – cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Carrots – thinly sliced
  • Green Onions – chopped, for garnish

Sauce & Flavorings

  • Soy Sauce – provides salty umami flavor
  • Garlic – freshly minced
  • Ginger – freshly minced
  • Sesame Oil – for toasty, nutty flavor
  • Optional Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
  • Water – to mix with cornstarch if used

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and wash and chop all vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger finely to release all their flavors.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and optionally cornstarch with water to create a glaze that will coat the chicken and vegetables.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant, then add the vegetables. Cook until they are just tender but still crisp.
  5. Combine and Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every bite.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat, scatter chopped green onions on top, and give it one last toss before serving piping hot.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Cut all ingredients before cooking to keep the stir fry moving quickly.
  • High Heat: Use a wok or large skillet on high heat for the perfect sear and crunch.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming and ensure even cooking.
  • Uniform Cuts: Chop veggies and chicken into similar sizes for best texture and cooking results.
  • Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Use fresh rather than powder or paste for superior flavor.
  • Garnish Options: Top with toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro for extra flavor and presentation.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken stir fry, quick dinner, healthy meal, gluten free, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, colorful vegetables

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