Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Dinner Idea

When it comes to easy and flavorful weeknight meals, nothing beats a chicken stir fry with vegetables. It’s colorful, packed with nutrients, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy families or anyone craving a healthy homemade dinner. This recipe brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce that coats every bite in irresistible flavor.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best chicken stir fry with vegetables, discover pro cooking tips, sauce variations, and storage hacks — everything you need to turn this simple dish into your go-to dinner favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

This stir fry isn’t just delicious — it’s also incredibly versatile and healthy. Here’s why it deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation:

🥢 Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
🍗 Healthy and balanced: Lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich vegetables.
🌈 Customizable: Use any veggies or sauces you have on hand.
🍚 Perfect for meal prep: Tastes just as good the next day.

Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or eat it straight from the skillet, this chicken and vegetable stir fry is a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful chicken stir fry with vegetables. You can easily find all the ingredients in your pantry or local grocery store.

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ cup chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Vegetables:

You can mix and match your favorites! Here’s a great combination:

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small broccoli crown, cut into florets
1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
½ cup snow peas or snap peas
½ small onion, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

Making a delicious stir fry at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, restaurant-style dish.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
👉 Tip: The cornstarch creates a silky coating that keeps the chicken tender and juicy when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients — soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, honey, sesame oil, broth, ginger, and garlic. Set it aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the onions, carrots, and bell peppers first — stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Then add broccoli, snow peas, and any quick-cooking veggies. Stir constantly to avoid overcooking — you want crisp-tender vegetables with bright color.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken stir fry with vegetables hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or sliced green onions for garnish.

Best Vegetables for Chicken Stir Fry

You can use nearly any vegetable you like in a stir fry. Here are some great options depending on the season or what’s in your fridge:

Broccoli
Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
Snow peas or snap peas
Carrots
Zucchini
Mushrooms
Green beans
Baby corn
Bok choy
Spinach

👉 Pro tip: Mix vegetables with different textures — like crisp bell peppers with soft mushrooms — for a more satisfying bite.

Tips for the Best Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

🔥 High heat is key: Stir-frying works best on medium-high to high heat for quick cooking and caramelization.
🧂 Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the chicken.
🥄 Prep everything in advance: Stir-frying is fast — have all ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before turning on the heat.
🧄 Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a world of difference in flavor.
🍯 Balance the sauce: Adjust soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to taste — you want a balance of salty, sweet, and umami.

Variations to Try

This recipe is super flexible. Here are some easy variations to keep your stir fry exciting:

1. Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Add a teaspoon of chili paste, Sriracha, or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.

2. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Swap the sauce for a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.

3. Chicken and Cashew Stir Fry

Add roasted cashews or peanuts at the end for crunch and extra protein.

4. Low-Carb Chicken Stir Fry

Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.

5. Asian Noodle Stir Fry

Toss in cooked soba, rice noodles, or ramen at the end to make a full noodle meal.

What to Serve with Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

While this dish can easily stand on its own, here are a few serving ideas to complete your meal:

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
Fried rice
Garlic noodles
Egg rolls or spring rolls
Cucumber salad or Asian slaw

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To Store:

Let the stir fry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

To Reheat:

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave for 1–2 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

To Freeze:

Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 310
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 620mg

This makes chicken stir fry with vegetables an excellent option for anyone wanting a low-calorie, high-protein meal full of vitamins and minerals.

FAQs About Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Frozen stir-fry vegetables work great. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though slightly higher in fat.

3. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?

Use oils with high smoke points such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil.

4. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and make sure your other sauces (like oyster or hoisin) are gluten-free.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken, vegetables, and sauce ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry just before eating.

Final Thoughts

This chicken stir fry with vegetables is the perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and bold flavor. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a fast, healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, every bite bursts with freshness and satisfaction.

Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, this dish fits every occasion. Once you master it, you’ll never need takeout again!