Chicken stir fry with vegetables is the kind of dish that can make a weeknight dinner feel like a five-star experience. Picture this: tender chicken pieces sizzling in a hot pan, mingling with vibrant bell peppers, crunchy broccoli, and carrots that pop with color. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making your family wonder if you’ve secretly enrolled in culinary school. Spoiler alert: you haven’t, but this dish will have them convinced!
Now imagine gathering around the table, laughter echoing as everyone digs in. Chicken stir fry with vegetables isn’t just food; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. You’ll create memories—like the time your cousin mistook soy sauce for syrup (don’t ask). Each bite promises bursts of flavor that make your taste buds dance. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s go!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken stir fry with vegetables is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights or meal prepping
- Its explosion of flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds
- The colorful presentation makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough to accommodate seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this chicken stir fry with vegetables turned out at our last dinner party—it felt like I was the star of a cooking show.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; they’ll infuse your dish beautifully.
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Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green—for visual appeal and sweetness.
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Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds crunch; frozen works too if you’re in a pinch.
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Carrots: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and a touch of sweetness.
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
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Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds a rich nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
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Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that lovely glossy finish.
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Cooked Rice or Noodles: Serve as a base; choose whichever carb suits your fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all your veggies and chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking quick and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you sip some tea or coffee—because you deserve it!
Sauté the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken; cook until golden brown and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Toss in garlic first; let its aroma fill your kitchen before adding bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry until tender-crisp—about 4-5 minutes—while imagining yourself as a master chef.
Create the Sauce: Pour in additional soy sauce while stirring continuously to combine all those vibrant flavors. Cook until everything gets coated nicely—about 2 minutes should do it.
Serve It Up: Spoon over rice or noodles; garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy your masterpiece while basking in the compliments from family and friends.
And there you have it—a delightful chicken stir fry with vegetables that’s not only easy to whip up but also colorful enough to impress anyone who lays eyes on it!
You Must Know
- This chicken stir fry with vegetables is not only quick to make but also packed with flavors
- It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, and you can personalize it to match your taste buds
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen smell divine!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken while prepping the vegetables. Sear the chicken first, then toss in the veggies for a perfectly cooked stir fry.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out any veggies based on what you have. Add some nuts for crunch or a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a flavorful kick, marinate chicken overnight with ginger and garlic
- Use high heat when cooking to achieve that delicious char
- Always cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking, avoiding sogginess
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t believe it was homemade! They thought I had secretly taken a cooking class!
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for stir fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for a tender stir fry.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are convenient and work well in stir fry recipes.
How do I make it spicier?
Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha during cooking for extra heat.
Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken stir fry with vegetables is a quick and vibrant dish that transforms any weeknight dinner into a culinary delight. Featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, crisp broccoli, and sweet carrots, this recipe bursts with flavor and is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, it combines ease of preparation with a stunning presentation. Get ready to savor the rich aromas and delightful taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced thinly
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and chopping the vegetables and chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the chicken in a bowl with 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tsp cornstarch for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tsp sesame oil until shimmering. Sauté the marinated chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic first, then toss in the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry until veggies are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in an additional splash of soy sauce while stirring to combine flavors for about 2 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
