The sweet aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with fresh vegetables fills your kitchen like a warm hug on a cold day. Imagine vibrant bell peppers dancing alongside tender broccoli and juicy chicken pieces in a savory sauce that makes your taste buds do the happy dance. This is not just any dish; this is the legendary chicken stir fry with vegetables!
Every time I whip up this delightful dish, I can’t help but reminisce about those chaotic weeknights where dinner was an Olympic sport. The kids are jostling for attention while the dog thinks he’s auditioning for “Greatest Escape Artist.” But somehow, with this quick and easy recipe in my back pocket, I emerge victorious—dinner served and smiles all around!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick chicken stir fry offers incredible flavors and colors to brighten up any weeknight meal
- It’s versatile enough to use whatever veggies you have at home
- Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
- Your family will be asking for seconds
I remember one night when my kids devoured this dish so quickly that I barely had time to snap a photo! It was a proud moment for me—not just because they loved it but because I finally had a meal everyone agreed on.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 1 pound of chicken breasts; they’re tender and cook quickly.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds both color and sweetness; choose firm peppers.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen works well; they provide crunch and nutrition!
- Carrots: Thinly sliced; they add a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness.
- Fresh Garlic: Use about 3 cloves; minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates flavors.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to manage saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds depth and rich flavor; it’s key to achieving that authentic taste.
- Cornstarch: A tablespoon helps thicken the sauce for a delightful coating on everything.
- Green Onions: Chopped finely for garnish; they add freshness and color as a finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cut the chicken into cubes about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine your cubed chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Let it marinate while you prep other ingredients—about 10 minutes should do.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan until they turn golden brown. They should sizzle beautifully—music to any cook’s ears!
Add the Vegetables: Toss in your chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots once the chicken is almost cooked through. Stir-fry them together until they’re tender-crisp—about 3-5 minutes. The colors will become vibrant!
Create the Sauce: Drizzle an additional splash of soy sauce over the stir-fried mixture while tossing everything together to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
Serve It Up!: Once everything is cooked through and combined nicely (about 2 more minutes!), remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving this tasty creation over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your colorful plate of happiness!
This delightful dish not only satisfies hunger but also adds joy to your dining table through its vibrant colors and flavors!
You Must Know
- Chicken stir fry with vegetables is not just a dish; it’s a colorful celebration of flavors, perfect for busy weeknights
- The quick cooking keeps the veggies crisp and the chicken juicy, making it a healthy choice that even picky eaters will love!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for extra flavor while prepping your vegetables. Sauté the chicken first to lock in moisture, then quickly toss in your vibrant veggies to keep them crunchy and bright.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge. Try adding nuts or tofu for extra protein, or sprinkle sesame seeds for that gourmet touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain texture without turning your stir fry into a mushy mess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an authentic taste, use high smoke point oils like peanut or canola
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for that perfect sear!
Sharing my first experience with chicken stir fry was quite hilarious! I once dumped soy sauce instead of vegetable oil, and my friends still joke about it. But hey, we all learn from our kitchen mishaps!
FAQ
What vegetables work best in chicken stir fry with vegetables?
Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are fantastic choices for vibrant flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen veggies are convenient and work well; just don’t overcook them.
How do I make my chicken stir fry less greasy?
Use minimal oil and avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps keep it light and healthy.
Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor a colorful chicken stir fry with fresh vegetables, ready in under 30 minutes for a delicious weeknight meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces and cube the chicken.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and cornstarch for about 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sauté until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is almost cooked through, add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots; stir-fry until tender-crisp (about 3-5 minutes).
- Drizzle additional soy sauce over the mixture and toss to combine evenly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add nuts or tofu for extra protein options and sprinkle sesame seeds for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg