If you are craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, colorful veggies, and tender chicken all in one pan, this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a sensational dish that comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory sauces, crisp vegetables, and juicy chicken creates a harmonious taste and texture experience you’ll keep coming back to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its flavor, texture, and appearance. From the tender chicken breast to the crunchy veggies and rich sauces, every component is chosen to work beautifully together.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
- Soy sauce: Provides the authentic salty umami base for the marinade and stir fry sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a velvety coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral, high-heat oil ideal for a quick and even stir fry.
- Bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of bright color.
- Broccoli florets: Brings a satisfying firmness and nutritional boost.
- Snap peas: Lend a fresh, crisp bite and beautiful green tone.
- Carrot: Thinly sliced for a tender-crisp sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with its classic aromatic essence.
- Ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick that balances the sauce perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Creates depth and moisture in the stir fry sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet, savory glaze.
- Hoisin sauce: Offers a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Sesame oil: A small but mighty finishing touch that gives a toasty, nutty flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat to brighten the dish without overpowering it.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish to provide a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions: Finely sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and develops a beautiful glaze when cooked. Give it a good toss to coat every piece evenly, then set it aside to absorb all those flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until shimmering. Quickly stir-fry the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and golden on the edges. This usually takes just a few minutes because the chicken is sliced thinly. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in your sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry the veggies until they reach that perfect tender-crisp texture—vibrant and slightly crunchy—making every bite delightful.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Now it’s time to add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry them with the vegetables just until fragrant, usually 30 seconds or so. This step releases those mouthwatering aromas that make the dish so irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with chicken broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together gently. Let the mixture cook just until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken and vegetables. This coats every morsel in a glossy, savory glaze.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. These final touches add extra flavor, crunch, and a fresh pop of color that completes this gorgeous, home-cooked meal.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate this dish. Beyond the classic sesame seeds and green onions, try a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime for a zesty contrast. These extra touches take your Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe from delicious to stunning.
Side Dishes
While this stir fry is fantastic on its own, it pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every bit of sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or even toss it into cooked noodles for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the stir fry in a large, shallow bowl and arrange the vegetables and chicken attractively. You might even serve it inside lettuce cups or on top of fluffy steamed buns for a fun handheld twist. Either way, the Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stir fry stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for planned lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the stir fry to extend its life, but keep in mind that some of the vegetables may soften after thawing. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently to heat evenly without overcooking the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or bok choy. The key is to use veggies that cook quickly and maintain some crunch for the best texture.
What can I use instead of chicken breast?
You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat or even use shrimp or tofu for a delightful variation. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to make this dish gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easily adaptable.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the flavors without making the dish very spicy. You can adjust the amount or omit them based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken a few hours ahead and chop the vegetables to save time when cooking. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrition, and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. I hope you give this delightful dish a try soon and find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
Print
Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This vibrant Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken breast. Marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, while a savory blend of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes and is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate briefly to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes, maintaining their bright colors and crunch.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce and Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken with cornstarch helps keep it tender and creates a smooth texture on the surface when stir-fried.
- Use fresh vegetables and do not overcook them to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
