Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Enjoy a quick and healthy meal with this Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry recipe. Packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry can be customized with your favorite vegetables and sauces, making it a family-friendly option that everyone will love.
This dish is a family favorite as it brings together the flavors of tender chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables. It's not just a meal; it's an experience!
A Wholesome Meal in Minutes
Busy weeknights call for meals that are not only quick to prepare but also nutritious and delicious. This Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry hits all the marks. With a quick cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can whip up a healthy and satisfying dinner that you and your family will look forward to. The inclusion of vibrant, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli adds essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a wholesome choice for any weeknight meal.
The beauty of this stir fry lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand in the fridge. Zucchini, snow peas, or snap peas can easily be substituted to suit your family's preferences. This adaptability not only allows for creativity in the kitchen but also makes it easy to cater to selective eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is ideal for meal prepping, saving you time and hassle throughout the week. Prepare your chicken and chop your vegetables ahead of time. When you're ready to eat, just throw everything in your skillet, and you've got a quick, homemade meal that’s miles better than takeout. You can easily double the recipe to have enough portions for lunch the next day or to share with family and friends.
Not only is this stir fry excellent for immediate consumption, but it's also easy to store. Simply keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and enjoy them for up to three days. Reheat quickly in the microwave for a convenient and healthy meal option that’s always at your fingertips.
Enhance the Flavor Profile
While the base recipe is already packed with flavor, there are countless ways to elevate it further. Consider adding spices such as ginger or chili flakes for a bit of heat or incorporating sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a more exotic flavor. The soy sauce provides a fantastic umami foundation, but you can easily play around with different flavors to keep the dish exciting and new with every preparation.
Adding a protein-packed topping, like cashews or peanuts, can also enhance the nutritional value of the dish while providing a delightful crunch. Experimenting with different garnishes like fresh cilantro or sliced scallions can add an extra layer of freshness, making each serving visually appealing as well.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
Make sure to prep all ingredients before starting to cook for the best experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious stir fry:
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Stir fry for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Your Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry is ready to be enjoyed!
Storing and Reheating
To store your Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
If you're looking to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or for quicker results, use the microwave's defrost setting.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve this stir fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and greater nutritional benefit, while whole wheat noodles can provide extra fiber. If you're following a low-carb diet, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles make excellent alternatives that complement the dish beautifully.
You can also pair the stir fry with a light side salad or some spring rolls for added variety. These options can enhance your dining experience by providing contrasting textures and flavors, whether you’re dining in or entertaining guests.
Nutritional Benefits
This Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry is not only quick and simple but also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is a lean protein source that supports muscle growth and repair, while the mix of colorful vegetables provides a range of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber—key components for a balanced diet.
Moreover, using olive oil as your cooking fat introduces healthy monounsaturated fats, which are important for heart health, while garlic adds antioxidant properties and may boost your immune system. All these elements come together to create a meal that's both satisfying and healthful, perfect for anyone looking to nourish their body without sacrificing flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well too. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers while stir frying.
Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry
Enjoy a quick and healthy meal with this Easy Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry recipe. Packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry can be customized with your favorite vegetables and sauces, making it a family-friendly option that everyone will love.
Created by: Paige Sullivan
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables. Stir fry for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g