Easy & Delicious Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe – Healthy Family Meal
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner solution? This Easy Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry is your answer! Packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a delicious homemade stir-fry sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a simple dinner recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
This chicken stir-fry recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your family’s preferences. Don’t like broccoli? Swap it out for snap peas or bell peppers! Plus, it’s easy to double or halve the recipe depending on the number of people you’re serving. This adaptable and convenient meal ensures everyone at the table gets exactly what they crave, making dinner a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this stir-fry recipe is designed for ease and satisfaction, delivering a tasty and nutritious meal with minimal effort.
This great stir-fry recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. You can quickly whip up a flavorful meal using pantry staples for a homemade chicken stir fry sauce. It’s a fantastic way to get a delicious and nutritious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce makes it a complete and satisfying dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly option as well.
Whether you’re a stir-fry novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will impress. Serve this main dish with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to tailor it to your liking. Add different vegetables, adjust the level of spiciness, or try it with noodles instead of rice. The possibilities are endless! This makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option that you can easily adapt to keep things interesting and cater to different tastes. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for the Easy Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry:
- Oil: Use olive oil in the skillet for the best flavor and healthy fats. You can also use avocado oil or coconut oil as alternatives. The key is to choose an oil with a high smoke point to withstand the high heat of stir-frying. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, while avocado oil offers a more neutral flavor. Experiment to find your favorite!
- Protein: You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and easy eating. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, press it first to remove excess water for a crispier texture.
- Fresh veggies: A head of broccoli cut into smaller pieces, a red bell pepper cut into smaller chunks, and chopped carrots create a colorful and nutritious mix. Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn. The more variety, the more vitamins and minerals you’ll get!
- Seasoning: Salt, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger are essential for building the flavor base. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are always best, but you can use pre-minced if you’re short on time. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Stir fry sauce: The magic ingredient! Combine cornstarch, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, and honey for a sweet and savory sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly. Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content, and honey adds a touch of natural sweetness. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with: Cooked rice is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful stir-fry sauce. White rice, brown rice, or quinoa all work well. You can also serve it with noodles, such as udon or soba noodles, for a different texture. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a finishing touch.
How to Make the Easy Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry:
Let’s get cooking! This simple stir-fry recipe comes together in just a few easy steps, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Follow these instructions for delicious results every time:
First, heat the oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breast, chopped vegetables (broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots), salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, and honey until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch to ensure a smooth and even sauce. This sauce will thicken beautifully as it simmers, creating a glossy and flavorful coating for the chicken and vegetables.
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic and minced ginger. Cook for another minute or two until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. As the sauce thickens, it will coat the chicken and vegetables in a delicious glaze, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Serve the chicken vegetable stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade stir-fry!
How to Store Leftovers for this Chinese Chicken Stir Fry:
Got leftovers? No problem! This chicken stir-fry stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a quick and easy lunch the next day. Here’s how to properly store your leftovers to maintain their flavor and freshness:
Fridge: To keep the chicken and vegetables at their best, store them in separate airtight containers from the rice. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy and ensures that each component maintains its texture and flavor. Leftover cooked chicken and veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, providing you with another quick and convenient meal option. When reheating, you can microwave them or stir-fry them in a pan until heated through.
Freezer: Allow the juicy chicken and veggies to cool down completely before transferring them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Lay the bag flat in the freezer for efficient storage. Properly stored, the leftovers can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Using freezer bag holders can make filling the bags much easier and less messy. To reheat, thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Then, stir-fry in a pan until heated through.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Chicken Stir Fry:
Want to take your chicken stir-fry to the next level? Here are some insider tips and tricks to ensure a restaurant-quality dish every time:
Why do I need to use cornstarch?
Adding cornstarch to the flavorful sauce is the secret to achieving that perfect, glossy consistency you find in store-bought stir-fry sauces. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a silky smooth texture that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully. By making your own sauce, you have complete control over the ingredients and can avoid any unwanted additives or preservatives. Plus, you know exactly what goes into your savory sauce, ensuring a healthy and delicious meal.
The cornstarch thickens the sauce to the ideal texture, preventing it from being too watery or runny. This ensures that the sauce clings to the chicken and vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor and eating experience. It’s a simple yet essential step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Do I need to use marinated chicken?
While marinating chicken can certainly add extra flavor, it’s not necessary for this recipe. The delicious stir-fry sauce provides plenty of flavor on its own. The most important thing is to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so that it cooks quickly and evenly in the pan. This saves you time and effort without sacrificing the delicious taste of the dish. However, if you have the time, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour can enhance the flavor even further.
If you choose to marinate the chicken, consider using a simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor and create a more tender texture. But even without marinating, this chicken stir-fry is incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Favorite veggies and add-ins to use:
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your chicken stir-fry. Here are some of our favorite vegetables and add-ins to try:
- Broccoli florets
- Water chestnuts
- Baby corn
- Snap peas / snow peas
- Fresh ginger
- Green onions
- Yellow onion
- Sesame seeds
Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables and add-ins to create a stir-fry that suits your tastes. Other great options include mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, and bean sprouts. The key is to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so that they cook evenly in the pan. And don’t be afraid to add a little heat with some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil!
More Stove-Top Recipes:
Looking for more quick and easy stove-top dinner ideas? Check out these delicious recipes:
- Rotisserie Chicken Bacon Alfredo
- Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
- Chicken Broccoli Rice ($5 Dinner)
- Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese ($5 Dinner)
Easy Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
Julia Pacheco
5
minutes
15
minutes
20
minutes
4
Save Recipe
Saved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe