If you’re searching for a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, look no further than this easy Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry. This dish combines tender chicken with colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe is straightforward, versatile, and guarantees a balance of protein and nutrients with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing taste.
Nutritious and Balanced: Combines lean chicken with vibrant vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Customizable Flavors: Adapt the sauce and veggies to match your cravings and pantry staples.
Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking keeps things simple and stress-free after dinner.
Family-Friendly: Appeals to picky eaters and can be adjusted to suit kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of a Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that deliver layers of texture and vibrant colors. Each component plays a vital role: the chicken adds protein and tenderness, vegetables bring crunch and nutrients, and the sauce ties it all together with a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Chicken breast or thighs: Choose boneless for quick cooking and juicy results.
Bell peppers: Adds sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
Broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and great nutrition.
Carrots: Sliced thin for subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Garlic and ginger: Key aromatics that build flavor depth.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the stir fry sauce.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasted, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
Green onions: Fresh garnish enhancing both taste and appearance.
Optional chili flakes: For those who love a bit of heat with their stir fry.

Variations for Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

One of the best things about Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry is how easily you can tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or sauces to make it completely your own.

Swap the chicken: Use tofu, shrimp, or beef for a protein twist that suits your mood.
Vegetable switch-up: Try snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to vary the textures.
Sauce variations: Add hoisin, oyster sauce, or a splash of orange juice for a sweeter sauce.
Spice it up: Include fresh chili peppers or sriracha to boost the heat level.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Easy Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry Recipe Ideas

How to Make Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even, quick cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl to create a flavorful stir fry sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, then remove from the pan.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add the vegetables to the hot pan, starting with harder veggies like carrots and broccoli, then quickly tossing until they are crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and optional chili flakes before serving hot over rice or noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Prep first: Have all ingredients chopped and sauce mixed before you start cooking for a smooth process.
High heat is key: Use high heat for quick cooking and that signature stir fry sear without steaming the ingredients.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a good texture and even cooking.
Use a wok or large skillet: Provides enough surface area to toss ingredients freely and cook evenly.
Add sauce gradually: Pour sauce in stages to avoid over-saturating vegetables and maintain crispness.

How to Serve Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and add sliced green onions for a fresh, appealing look and taste.

Side Dishes

Serve this stir fry alongside steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry inside lettuce wraps or serve it over warm noodles with a wedge of lime to brighten every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and textures enjoyable.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; transfer cooled stir fry to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient and nutritious option; just thaw and drain excess water before cooking to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry holds up well for meal prep and tastes great when reheated for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What kind of cooking oil is best?

Use oils with high smoke points such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to achieve that perfect stir fry sear without burning.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or water to adjust the sauce thickness if needed.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing the sauce in advance saves time and allows flavors to meld, making dinner even quicker to assemble.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry is a go-to weeknight meal that never disappoints. Its bright flavors, effortless prep, and endless customization options make it a kitchen favorite you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the perfect harmony of healthy ingredients and satisfying taste!

Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Print Recipe

This easy Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal combining tender chicken with vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, offering a balanced blend of protein and nutrients with minimal cleanup and customizable flavors.

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

Vegetables

1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Aromatics

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Additional

1–2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for high heat)
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even, quick cooking.
Mix the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl to create a flavorful stir fry sauce.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a splash of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pan.
Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the vegetables starting with the harder ones like carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry quickly until they are crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine and Toss: Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and optional chili flakes. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Prep first: Have all ingredients chopped and sauce mixed before starting for a smooth cooking process.
Use high heat for quick cooking and to achieve the signature stir fry sear without steaming.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain texture and even cooking.
Gradually add the sauce to avoid over-saturating vegetables and keep them crisp.
Use a wok or large skillet to provide enough surface area to toss ingredients freely.
Frozen vegetables can be used; thaw and drain excess water before cooking to avoid sogginess.
To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for alternative proteins.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

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