Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry comes together in just minutes and delivers a well-balanced dish full of flavor and texture. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and can be served with rice, noodles, or on its own for a light yet satisfying meal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a quick and healthy chicken stir-fry with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Why Choose Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry?
This stir-fry is a great way to pack a variety of vegetables into your meal while enjoying the savory goodness of seasoned chicken. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a flavorful, nutritious meal. The best part? You can switch up the veggies or even add noodles to make it your own. If you’re looking for another quick stir-fry option, check out Homemade Orange Chicken Stir-Fry, which adds a sweet and tangy twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry:
- Chicken Breast: Sliced thin for quicker cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced into thin strips.
- Broccoli: Cut into small florets.
- Carrots: Julienned or sliced thin.
- Garlic: Minced for flavor.
- Soy Sauce: For the base of the stir-fry sauce.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: To balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
- Ginger: Fresh or ground, for added warmth and flavor.
- Cooked Rice or Noodles: To serve.
How to Make Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Start by thinly slicing the chicken breast and chopping your veggies, including bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Mince the garlic and ginger.
2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and a little water. Stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce slightly.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the sliced chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the vegetables, starting with the broccoli and carrots since they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add the bell peppers and continue to cook until all vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Customization Ideas for Your Stir-Fry
There are plenty of ways to customize this Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry to suit your tastes:
- Add Noodles: Try using rice noodles or soba noodles instead of rice for a change in texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.
- Different Veggies: Swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand—snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms are great alternatives.
For more customizable meal ideas, try Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad, which allows you to mix and match ingredients for a fresh, flavorful dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Stir-Fry
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the stir-fry seems dry.
- Freeze: You can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
Health Benefits of Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is packed with protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables. Broccoli, for example, is a great source of vitamin C and fiber, while bell peppers are rich in antioxidants. You can make this dish even healthier by using lean cuts of chicken and reducing the amount of sugar in the sauce. For more nutrient-packed meal options, check out Healthy Cheesecake that Actually Tastes Like Cheesecake for a sweet treat that’s lower in calories but full of flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that you can easily prepare in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to pack your plate with nutritious vegetables and lean protein while enjoying a savory and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this stir-fry is sure to be a go-to in your recipe rotation.
For more stir-fry ideas, try Spicy Sausage Cavatappi, which brings bold flavors and a comforting twist to pasta night.