Welcome to a culinary journey that promises both flavor and nutrition! This Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry with Fresh Vegetables is a vibrant, quick, and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight. It’s packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re a stir-fry novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen and a burst of flavor to your plate.
Stir-fries are a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, and this recipe is no exception. We’ll be using a colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, but feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal produce. The beauty of a stir-fry lies in its versatility and speed, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something homemade and wholesome.
This recipe balances taste, texture, and health, ensuring that every forkful is a delight. The chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful, while the vegetables retain their natural crunch and vibrant color. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and a rainbow of fresh vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or add your favorite protein.
- Flavorful: A savory, umami-rich sauce that coats every ingredient.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, making your life easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
How to Make Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry with Fresh Vegetables
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to still have a slight bite.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and rice vinegar until well combined.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Overcrowding can steam the ingredients instead of stir-frying them.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and prepare your sauce in advance. Stir-fries cook quickly, so having everything ready before you start is key.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients.
- Adjust Sweetness & Saltiness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust the brown sugar or soy sauce to your preference.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, water chestnuts, or baby corn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different cuts of chicken?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prep all ingredients ahead of time. Cooked stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This stir-fry is excellent with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite noodles.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is gluten-free.
This Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry with Fresh Vegetables is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s a testament to how quickly and easily you can create a wholesome, restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and delight in sharing this wonderful creation with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry with Fresh Vegetables
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to wok. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add carrots and broccoli, stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and snap peas, stir-fry for another 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to wok. Add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Push ingredients to sides, pour cornstarch mixture into center. Stir until sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
- Toss everything together. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
• Substitute shrimp or tofu for chicken
• Use any seasonal vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn)
• Double sauce ingredients if prefer more gravy
