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Easy Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry


  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy chicken stir fry with vegetables is a perfect weeknight meal idea, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic solution for busy evenings when you want something homemade, healthy, and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce, is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, plus more for the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, plus more for the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or other neutral oil
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes or thin strips. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This step helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a slight crispness when cooked. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

    2. Chop the Vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. Ensure your broccoli florets are small, carrots are thinly sliced, and bell pepper and onion are cut into similar-sized strips. Having all your vegetables ready before you start cooking is crucial for a stir-fry, as the cooking process is very fast.

    3. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). If you want a slightly thicker sauce, you can add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to this mixture and whisk until smooth. Set this sauce aside.

    4. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a clean plate.

    5. Saute the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli and carrots first, as they take longer to cook. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper, yellow onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are bright in color and tender-crisp, not mushy.

    6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared stir-fry sauce a quick whisk again, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients evenly. The sauce should become glossy and cling to the food.

    7. Serve Immediately: Remove the stir-fry from the heat and serve hot over freshly cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: stir-fry
    • Cuisine: asian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving

    Keywords: chicken, stir-fry, weeknight meal, healthy, quick, vegetables, dinner, easy, asian, family