Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a nourishing, satisfying, yet speedy dinner idea, then this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this dish balances fresh veggies with tender chicken and a lightly sweet, savory sauce — and you’ll find that it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail it, from ingredients to step-by-step tips!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

When you gather the ingredients for this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe, you’re building a simple but flavor-packed meal. The chicken stays tender, the veggies keep that satisfying crunch, and the homemade sauce ties it all together beautifully. Here’s a little more about each key item:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick cooking and easy bite-sized pieces. I like to pat it dry to get a nice sear.
• Broccoli florets: They add color, nutrients, and stay crisp-tender if you don’t overcook.
• Bell peppers (yellow and red): Sweet, juicy, and visually appealing. I always pick firm peppers without soft spots.
• Baby carrots: Sliced thin to cook quickly and add a subtle sweetness.
• Fresh ginger and garlic: These aromatics lift the whole dish — use fresh for best flavor.
• Olive oil: I split it into two batches to cook chicken and veggies separately for perfect texture.
• Stir fry sauce ingredients: Cornstarch for thickening, low sodium chicken broth and soy sauce for a flavorful base, honey for a touch of sweetness, toasted sesame oil for nuttiness, and red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe is! Whenever I make it, I like to mix and match vegetables or even change up the protein based on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. Feel free to make it your own.

• Vegetable Variations: Sometimes I swap broccoli for snap peas or add mushrooms. It’s a great way to use up veggies and keep things interesting.
• Protein Switch-up: If I’m short on time or feeding different tastes, I’ve used shrimp or tofu instead of chicken with fantastic results.
• Heat Level: You can easily adjust the crushed red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it — I sometimes add a splash of sriracha for a serious kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-friendly without losing that deep umami flavor.

How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Stir Fry Sauce

This is where the magic begins! In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry — this thickens your sauce nicely. Then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, whisking until everything is combined. Set this aside for now; you’ll pour it in at the end. I discovered that whisking the cornstarch first prevents any clumps in the sauce, ensuring a silky coating on every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes (salt and pepper to taste) and cook in batches if your pan is crowded. This searing stage takes about 3 to 5 minutes — you want golden edges and cooked-through chicken but not overcooked. Remove the chicken and set aside. I love this tip: cooking chicken in smaller batches helps you get that desired crust instead of steaming the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and sliced baby carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn bright and are just crisp-tender — you want to keep that satisfying crunch. Add minced ginger and garlic, cooking an extra minute to bring those flavors out.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour in the whisked stir fry sauce. Stir gently to combine everything and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for about a minute until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and veggies. That’s when you know it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty crunch, and sometimes a handful of chopped green onions adds freshness and color. A squeeze of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice right before serving can brighten all the flavors, too — try it and see what you think!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides to accompany this stir fry are steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier kick. On days when I want a bit of texture change, I’ll serve it with crunchy chow mein noodles or even some quinoa. The options are endless and all delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the stir fry in individual pineapple bowls — it adds a fun tropical vibe to the dinner table and keeps things casual yet festive. Another go-to is plating the stir fry over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. It’s always fun to mix up the presentation and impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the stir fry cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days — which is perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this stir fry because the vegetables can become a bit watery after thawing, but if you want to freeze it, make sure to undercook the veggies slightly before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to help preserve texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover chicken stir fry is in a hot skillet or wok for a few minutes, stirring frequently until warmed through. This helps keep the chicken juicy and veggies crisp, unlike the microwave which can make it soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir between each.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe is a kitchen staple you’ll turn to time and again. It’s that perfect mix of speedy prep, wholesome ingredients, and mouthwatering flavor that feels both comforting and fresh. Whenever I’m pressed for time but don’t want to sacrifice on taste, this stir fry has my back. Give it a try — I can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it!

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