Delicious Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe – Easy, Customizable, and Full of Flavor
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is your perfect answer. It’s one of those dishes that hits the spot every time: it’s comforting, vibrant, and packed with delicious veggies. Plus, it’s super customizable – whether you want extra spice, different veggies, or a protein swap, this stir fry can be adapted to suit your tastes.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a stir fry with perfectly tender chicken and crisp, colorful vegetables all cooked in a flavorful sauce. What’s great is that you can prepare it in just one pan, and in under 30 minutes, you have a wholesome meal. No need to worry about complicated techniques – this dish is beginner-friendly and comes together easily. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry so delicious.
- Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast works best for this stir fry. It’s lean, tender, and cooks quickly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Bell Peppers: These add a beautiful color to the dish and a mild sweetness. You can use red, yellow, or green bell peppers, or mix and match for a more colorful stir fry.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots give a nice crunch and sweetness to balance the savory chicken and sauce.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a healthy, earthy flavor and texture. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with snap peas, zucchini, or green beans.
- Onions: Yellow or red onions provide a slight tang and sweetness when sautéed, adding depth to the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must to bring a rich, aromatic essence to the stir fry.
- Soy Sauce: This savory base adds that umami flavor that is essential for stir fry dishes.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness helps balance the savory soy sauce and adds a nice caramelization to the chicken.
- Ginger: Fresh grated ginger gives the stir fry a zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with the soy sauce.
- Sesame Oil: For that nutty flavor, sesame oil works wonders in stir fry dishes.
- Cornstarch: A small amount of cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Substitutions: If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a vegetarian or pescatarian alternative.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry in just a few easy steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell peppers, carrots, and onions, and cut the broccoli into florets. Grate the garlic and ginger. This step is essential to ensure everything is ready for quick cooking. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if necessary. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry the veggies for about 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly but still retain their crunch. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas. - Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, and a splash of water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will be your stir fry sauce. - Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and veggies, and toss everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. For a richer flavor, feel free to drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve your stir fry over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful dish you’ve just created!
4. Tips and Variations
- Best Result Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or vegetables. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything gets a nice sear.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables, like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn. The more colorful, the better!
- Meat Swap: You can easily swap chicken for beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on your choice of protein.
- Creamy Version: For a creamy stir fry, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end of cooking and stir until the sauce is silky smooth.
5. Serving Suggestions
This Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Rice: Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is the perfect base to soak up the savory stir fry sauce.
- Noodles: Try pairing it with soba noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Salad: A light, fresh cucumber salad with sesame dressing can balance the richness of the stir fry.
- Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread works great to mop up any leftover sauce.
For a themed dinner night, you can pair this dish with a crisp glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea for a non-alcoholic option.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the stir fry for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the stir fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce.
7. Recipe Notes
- This recipe can be prepped ahead of time. You can chop all the vegetables and chicken and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Best with Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly shredded ginger and garlic.
- Crockpot Option: If you prefer a slow-cooked version, you can cook the chicken and vegetables in a 6-quart Crock Pot on low for 4 hours. Add the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbs | 23g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Calcium | 40mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare ingredients.
- Cook chicken.
- Sauté vegetables.
- Prepare sauce.
- Combine chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
- Adjust seasoning.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
- Can be prepped ahead.
- Best served with rice or noodles.
Nutrition:
Calories: 320 | Fat: 12g | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 23g
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Gluten-Free (with substitutions)
- Dairy-Free
- Low-Carb (with adjustments)
🌿 Health Benefits
- High in protein
- Packed with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables
- Low in saturated fat
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?
Yes, you can! Frozen vegetables will work, but they may release more moisture than fresh, so adjust cooking times as necessary.
Can I add more spice to the stir fry?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a sliced chili pepper to give it some heat.
10. Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is a crowd-pleaser for a reason – it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family meal, this dish will surely satisfy. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy!