Hello, fellow food lovers and busy bees! Are you craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, packed with wholesome goodness, and on the table in under 30 minutes? Then you’ve absolutely landed in the right spot! Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for an Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry that’s a total game-changer for hectic weeknights.
I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved dinnertime at my house! It’s that perfect combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce that everyone adores. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – a fantastic way to clean out the veggie drawer and get a nutritious meal without any fuss. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for delicious, quick, and healthy eating!
We’ll walk through everything step-by-step, and you’ll find a full printable recipe card with all these details at the bottom of this post, perfect for your kitchen adventures!
Before we dive into the delicious details, here’s a quick look at what to expect with this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry:
| ⏲️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes | ⏰ Total Time: 25 minutes |
| 🥣 Yields: 4 servings | 🍳 Difficulty: Easy | Rating: 4.8 (based on reader feedback!) |
| kcal Calories (Approx.): 320 per serving (estimate, varies with exact ingredients) | ||
❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry Recipe
- ✔️ Incredibly Delicious: We’re talking tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly crisp-tender veggies coated in an irresistible savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a taste explosion!
- ✔️ Lightning Fast: Seriously, from prep to plate in about 25 minutes! It’s the ultimate solution for “What’s for dinner?” on a busy night. This Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry is a lifesaver.
- ✔️ Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and loaded with colorful vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel great about serving your family.
- ✔️ One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes? Yes, please! This entire meal comes together in a single skillet or wok, making cleanup a breeze.
- ✔️ Super Customizable: Don’t have broccoli? Use green beans! Want to add mushrooms? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your tastes and what you have on hand.
- ✔️ Family-Approved: Even picky eaters tend to love this stir fry. The flavors are accessible and utterly satisfying.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
Here’s everything you need to gather to make this incredible Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry. For the best flavor, fresh veggies are wonderful, but frozen can work in a pinch! Using low-sodium soy sauce helps you control the saltiness.
For the Stir Fry:
- ✅ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
- ✅ 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (plus more if needed)
- ✅ 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (a mix of red, yellow, and orange looks beautiful!)
- ✅ 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ✅ 1 cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- ✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ✅ 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- ✅ Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- ✅ Optional Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions
For the Savory Stir Fry Sauce:
- ✅ 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ✅ 2 tsp sesame oil
- ✅ 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, or brown sugar)
- ✅ 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ✅ 2 tbsp water
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also fantastic here as they stay very juicy. You can also substitute with shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorites! Snap peas, snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, or asparagus would all be delicious in this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry.
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead of honey for a similar sweetness. Adjust to your taste.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat.
🛠️ Equipment Needed
You won’t need a lot of fancy equipment for this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry, but here are the essentials:
- ✔️ Large Skillet or Wok: A wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its high, sloping sides, but a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (12-inch or larger) will work perfectly too.
- ✔️ Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping your chicken and veggies.
- ✔️ Small Bowl: For mixing the sauce ingredients.
- ✔️ Medium Bowl: For marinating the chicken briefly.
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
Ready to create this delicious Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry? Let’s get cooking! Remember, stir-frying is a quick process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go (this is called “mise en place”).
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of the low-sodium soy sauce (from the sauce ingredients). Toss to coat and let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the veggies. This quick marinade adds extra flavor!
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: Add another splash of oil to the skillet if it looks dry. Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them vibrant and slightly softened, but still with a bit of crunch.
- Add Aromatics: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir them into the vegetables.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give your prepared stir-fry sauce a quick whisk (as the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over everything in the pan. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Serve Hot: Your Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry is ready! Serve immediately over hot steamed rice (white or brown), quinoa, or your favorite noodles. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions, if desired.
💡 Expert Tips for Success with Your Chicken Stir Fry
Want to guarantee your Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry turns out restaurant-quality every single time? These are my top tips:
- ✔️ Prep Everything First (Mise en Place): Stir-frying happens fast! Have all your chicken cubed, veggies chopped, and sauce mixed before you turn on the heat. This is the golden rule for a stress-free stir fry.
- ✔️ Hot Pan, High Heat: Get your wok or skillet nice and hot before adding ingredients. This ensures a good sear and prevents ingredients from steaming instead of frying, which is crucial for that classic stir-fry texture.
- ✔️ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken and even veggies in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to steaming and soggy results instead of a crisp-tender Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry.
- ✔️ Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Try to cut your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- ✔️ Velveting Chicken (Optional Pro Tip): For extra tender chicken, try a technique called velveting. Toss the cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon oil before cooking. It makes a noticeable difference!
- ✔️ Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
🎉 Recipe Variations
While this classic Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry is fantastic as is, here are a few popular variations you might enjoy trying:
- ✔️ Spicy Chicken Stir Fry: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- ✔️ Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry: Add ½ cup of pineapple chunks (canned, drained, or fresh) along with the chicken in the final step for a sweet and tangy twist.
- ✔️ Peanut Chicken Stir Fry: Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the sauce for a richer, nutty flavor. You might need a little extra water to thin it.
- ✔️ Low-Carb Chicken Stir Fry: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or shirataki noodles instead of traditional rice or pasta.
- ✔️ Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted cashews or peanuts at the end for extra crunch and flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry is a complete meal, but here are some ideas to round it out or present it beautifully:
- ✔️ Classic Rice Base: Serve hot over fluffy steamed white rice, nutty brown rice, or fragrant jasmine rice. This is the quintessential pairing!
- ✔️ Noodle Power: Delicious with lo mein noodles, ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet), udon noodles, or even spaghetti.
- ✔️ Quinoa Queen: For an extra protein and fiber boost, serve it over cooked quinoa.
- ✔️ Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving your Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry.
- ✔️ Side of Crunch: Sometimes, a small side of crispy spring rolls or potstickers makes the meal feel even more special.
🥡 Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Instructions
Got leftovers of your Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them tasting great.
Storage: Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors can even meld and taste better the next day!
Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying out until warmed through. You can also microwave, but be careful not to overcook, which can make the chicken tough and veggies mushy.
Freezing: While you can freeze stir fry, be aware that the texture of the vegetables might become a bit softer upon thawing. For best results, if you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the vegetables. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
How do I make sure my chicken is tender and not tough in the stir fry?
Great question! First, don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it until just done, then remove it from the pan while you cook the veggies. Adding it back at the end prevents it from getting tough. Also, cutting chicken against the grain can help. For extra assurance, try the velveting technique mentioned in the “Expert Tips” section – it involves a quick coating with cornstarch and makes a big difference for this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. It’s best to thaw them and pat them dry before adding to the hot skillet to avoid excess moisture, which can make the stir fry watery. Keep in mind frozen veggies might cook a bit faster and may not be as crisp as fresh ones, but they are a convenient option for this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry.
What if I don’t have a wok? Can I still make a good stir fry?
Absolutely! While a wok is traditional, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) works wonderfully. The key is to ensure it’s large enough so you don’t overcrowd it and that it can get and stay very hot.
My stir fry sometimes ends up soggy. How can I prevent that?
Soggy stir-fries are often due to a few things: 1. Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed. 2. Pan not hot enough: Make sure your oil is shimmering hot. 3. Too much liquid: Don’t add too much sauce initially, and ensure your veggies aren’t releasing too much water (pat frozen veggies dry). The cornstarch slurry in this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry recipe is designed to thicken the sauce quickly, coating the ingredients rather than making them swim.
Can I make the stir fry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, definitely! You can whisk together all the sauce ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before using in your Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry, as the cornstarch will settle.
📖 More Quick & Easy Recipes You Might Like
If you loved this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry, you’re sure to enjoy these other delicious and speedy recipes from StirDelish:
- Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil Recipe
- Easy Cherry Cobbler Recipe (Simply Irresistible!)
- Hearty Venison Stew Recipe: A Guide to Cooking Wild Meat
💬 We’d Love to Hear From You!
This Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry is a staple in my kitchen, and I’m so excited for it to become one in yours too! It’s proof that fast food can be fresh, healthy, and incredibly tasty.
Did you make this Easy Chicken Veggie Stir Fry recipe? We love hearing about your successes and any creative twists you added!
