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Healthy Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry


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

Description

This healthy chicken stir fry recipe is a weeknight hero, bringing together tender chicken, a rainbow of crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that coats every bite. It’s designed for busy evenings when you want something delicious and nutritious on the table without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s proof that healthy eating can be both quick and incredibly flavorful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce, plus more for the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch, plus more for the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly. This step helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a slight crispness when cooked. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

    2. Whisk the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. Set this sauce aside. This ensures all the flavors are well combined and ready to be added to the wok or skillet.

    3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. The chicken should have a nice golden crust. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

    4. Saute the Aromatics and Harder Vegetables: Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. They should still have a bit of bite but be starting to soften.

    5. Add Remaining Vegetables and Aromatics: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty side and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the bell pepper and snap peas are bright and tender-crisp.

    6. Combine and Finish with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with all the vegetables. Give the prepared stir fry sauce a quick whisk again (as the cornstarch can settle) and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly. The sauce should become glossy and cling to the ingredients. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds 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, healthy, weeknight, quick, vegetables, dinner, easy, asian, family friendly