There’s something about the sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot pan that makes my heart sing. The aroma wafting through the kitchen is an invitation to gather around the table for a feast! This chicken stir fry with vegetables is not just any dish; it’s a symphony of colors and flavors that will dance on your taste buds. Picture tender chunks of chicken mingling with vibrant bell peppers, crunchy carrots, and crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce that will have you drooling before the first bite.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- What vegetables work best in a stir fry?
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Each time I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to my college days when my roommate and I would trade culinary experiments for late-night study sessions. We never quite followed a recipe; we just threw things together like mad scientists in search of the perfect potion. The result? Endless laughter and some utterly delicious (and sometimes questionable) meals. But trust me when I say this chicken stir fry is one of those gems that always hits the mark—perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something quick yet satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making meal prep a breeze.
- You can mix and match vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- Its vibrant colors are not just eye-catching—they promise an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without breaking a sweat!
One evening, my friends huddled around the kitchen island as I stirred the ingredients together. Their faces lit up as they caught whiffs of garlic and soy sauce mingling in the air.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts; they cook quickly and stay juicy throughout.
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors—red, yellow, and green—for added sweetness and crunch.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds texture; look for firm ones with bright green color.
- Carrots: Use fresh carrots sliced thinly; they add natural sweetness and beautiful color.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings irresistible flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels in check while still packing flavor.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds a nutty depth; just remember—it’s potent stuff!
- Green Onions: Use these as a garnish; they add freshness and a pop of color at the end.
For the Sauce:
- Cornstarch: This handy thickener helps create a glossy finish for your stir-fry sauce.
- Water or Chicken Broth: Use water for simplicity or broth for extra flavor; both work wonderfully!
- Ginger (optional): If you love ginger’s zingy kick, feel free to add freshly grated ginger to enhance flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to sizzle! Here’s how to bring this delightful dish to life step by step.
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your veggies and chop them into bite-sized pieces while imagining yourself as an Iron Chef competitor!
Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok until shimmering. Toss in diced chicken breasts seasoned lightly with salt until golden brown.
Add Garlic and Veggies: Once your chicken is cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), toss in minced garlic followed by bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots. Stir frequently until veggies are tender-crisp—around 3-4 minutes.
Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch mixed with water or broth (whichever you chose), plus ginger if using. Stir until well blended before adding it to your pan.
Sauce It Up: Pour the sauce over your beautiful medley of chicken and veggies. Stir continuously until everything is evenly coated and bubbling away—about 2-3 minutes should do it!
Finish Strong: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for garnish before serving over rice or noodles. Dig in immediately while it’s hot!
Enjoy this easy-to-follow recipe that turns everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal bursting with flavor!
You Must Know
- Use fresh veggies for vibrant color and taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while stir-frying.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for about 30 minutes, then sauté it until golden brown. Next, stir-fry your vegetables in the same pan for added flavor, and combine them all for a quick finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have available or add tofu for extra protein. You can also switch up sauces; teriyaki or sweet chili can give it a unique flair!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet for even heating without losing texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A delicious chicken stir fry with vegetables is all about timing and balance!
- Use high heat to get that perfect char without overcooking.
- Avoid using frozen veggies; fresh ones make all the difference in taste and crunch!
I remember cooking this dish when my niece visited and she exclaimed, “This is better than takeout!” Her excitement made all my effort worth it!
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor absorption.
What vegetables work best in a stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are excellent choices for color and crunch.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, just add it towards the end of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Whip up a vibrant chicken stir fry brimming with fresh vegetables in under 30 minutes—a perfect weeknight meal bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken and slicing the vegetables.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before adding the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch with water or broth, and ginger if using. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
- Stir continuously until everything is well coated and bubbling for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions, and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to swap out veggies based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- To add extra protein, consider incorporating tofu.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg