When life gets busy, but you still crave a warm, wholesome meal, nothing beats a quick and flavorful Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a simple yet delicious sauce. It’s not only fast and easy to prepare but also incredibly healthy and colorful, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, these simple tips will help you whip up the ultimate Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and a rainbow of fresh veggies for a balanced meal.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to customize with whatever vegetables or sauces you have on hand.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet or wok.
Flavorful and Satisfying: A savory sauce ties it all together with a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredients simple yet essential means the flavors really shine and the texture stays just right. Each ingredient plays a role in building the perfect balance of tastes, colors, and nutritional benefits.

Chicken breast or thighs: For tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully.
Bell peppers: Add vibrant color and a natural sweet crunch to the mix.
Broccoli florets: Offers a healthy dose of fiber and a satisfying bite.
Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and additional texture to the stir fry.
Soy sauce: The savory backbone that adds depth and umami to the dish.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that give the stir fry an inviting, zingy aroma.
Olive or sesame oil: Essential for stir-frying while adding a hint of nuttiness or smooth richness.
Green onions: For a fresh finish and a mild onion flavor.
Optional honey or brown sugar: To balance saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
Chili flakes or fresh chili (optional): For those who like a little heat in their stir fry.

Variations for Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

This Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry lends itself beautifully to personal twists. Feel free to swap ingredients, adjust the sauce, or even cater to dietary preferences effortlessly.

Protein swap: Try tofu, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken for varied flavors and textures.
Veggie selection: Use snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn to mix up the vegetable game.
Gluten-free option: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
Spice it up: Add Sriracha or a dash of chili oil to bring more heat and complexity.
Sauce twist: Incorporate hoisin, oyster sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime for a new flavor profile.

Quick & Easy Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry Tips

How to Make Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips for quick cooking. Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and ginger finely to release their flavors.

Step 2: Heat Your Pan and Oil

Use a wok or a large skillet and heat your oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This will ensure the chicken gets a nice sear without sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken strips to the hot pan in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping so it browns nicely, then cook through until no longer pink inside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Remove the chicken and set aside. Add garlic and ginger to the pan for 30 seconds to release their aroma, then toss in vegetables starting with the ones that take longer to cook, like carrots and broccoli. Stir frequently to keep everything evenly cooked and crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce It Up

Return the chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour in soy sauce and optional honey or spices, then toss everything together over medium heat until heated through and nicely coated with sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and give it one last gentle stir. Your Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Prep in advance: Cut all your ingredients before you start cooking to keep the process smooth and fast.
High heat is key: Stir frying works best on high heat for quick searing and to keep veggies crisp.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed so everything sautés instead of stews.
Use fresh vegetables: Crisp, fresh veggies make a huge difference in texture and flavor.
Adjust sauce to taste: Start with less soy sauce and add more gradually to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro really elevates the dish and adds a fragrant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve your stir fry over fluffy steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in lettuce cups for a light, refreshing option, or pack it into rice paper rolls with a drizzle of peanut sauce for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes well—just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for best texture, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the veggies.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but fresh veggies typically provide better texture and flavor; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess water to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry stores well and reheats nicely, making it great for prepping lunches or dinners in advance.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken stock if the recipe calls for it.

What kind of soy sauce is best?

Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice to control saltiness while still adding the rich umami flavor essential to this dish.

Can I add nuts to my stir fry?

Yes! Cashews, peanuts, or sliced almonds add a wonderful crunch and boost the texture and nutritional profile of the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about a quick, colorful, and tasty Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry that fits perfectly into a hectic schedule. With these handy tips and variations, you’ll feel confident customizing this dish anytime you crave a savory, healthy meal. So grab your wok, gather fresh ingredients, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and ease that make this stir fry a kitchen favorite. Happy cooking!

Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry

Print Recipe

A quick, healthy, and colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir Fry combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balanced blend of lean protein, vibrant veggies, and delicious flavors that can be customized to your taste.

Author: Mary
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 (with tamari/coconut aminos substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 large carrot, sliced
2–3 green onions, chopped

Aromatics

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Oils & Sauces

2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional)

Optional Add-ins

Chili flakes or fresh chili, to taste
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips for quick cooking. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger finely to maximize their flavor.
Heat Your Pan and Oil: Warm a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive or sesame oil and heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for stir-frying.
Cook the Chicken: Add chicken strips to the hot pan in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice sear, then flip and cook through until no longer pink inside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the vegetables starting with those that take longer to cook such as carrots and broccoli. Stir frequently until veggies are crisp-tender.
Combine and Sauce It Up: Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in soy sauce and optional honey or spices like chili flakes. Toss everything together and cook over medium heat until heated through and well coated with sauce.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Give a final gentle stir, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Prep in advance: Cut all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process.
High heat is key: Use high heat to get a quick sear and keep vegetables crisp.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and ensure even cooking.
Use fresh vegetables: Fresh produce enhances texture and flavor significantly.
Adjust sauce to taste: Start with less soy sauce and add more gradually to avoid oversalting.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 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 dinner, gluten-free stir fry, easy chicken recipe