Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies
Quick, wholesome, and flavor-packed Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies featuring tender chicken breast or thighs and fresh, colorful vegetables tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy nights, this flexible one-pan dish delivers a nutritious and balanced meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin bite-sized strips
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (or peanut oil for high heat)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips to ensure quick cooking. Chop all your vegetables into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly. Mince the garlic and ginger for that fresh aromatic base.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, honey or brown sugar, and the cornstarch slurry. This combination will create a perfect sweet-savory glaze that thickens beautifully.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic and ginger to sizzle briefly. Then add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp and vibrant.
- Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir constantly so the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables, creating a glossy finish.
- Serve Hot: Remove the stir fry from heat and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients and sauces before cooking to keep the process smooth and efficient.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure even cooking.
- Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to prevent burning.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid lumps.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if dry; avoid microwaving to preserve vegetable texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: chicken stir fry, quick dinner, healthy stir fry, easy chicken recipe, gluten free stir fry, vegetables, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner