Chicken stir fry is one of those meals that feels fresh, flavorful, and energizing—yet it cooks in minutes. With crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a glossy, savory sauce, this dish delivers big flavor without complicated steps. It’s the perfect balance of protein, color, crunch, and comfort.
This recipe has become my go-to for busy nights because it’s incredibly fast, uses basic ingredients, and tastes just as good (or better!) than takeout. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this stir fry brings a burst of freshness to the table with very little effort. It’s a wholesome dinner that feels light, satisfying, and packed with goodness.
2. Ingredients
This stir fry uses simple, everyday ingredients that create a beautiful mix of flavors and textures—crisp veggies, juicy chicken, and a delicious sauce.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but flavorful)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh green onions
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Thin slices cook quickly and stay juicy when stir-fried on high heat.
- Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, onions, carrots, and snap peas add color, crunch, and essential nutrients.
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce—salty, savory, and perfect for coating stir fry.
- Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the sauce glaze beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, making it cling perfectly to chicken and veggies.
Optional Add-Ons / Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or sliced red chilies.
- Nutty Flavor: Add roasted cashews or peanuts.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, baby corn, zucchini, or spinach.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy without rice.
- Noodle Bowl: Toss with cooked rice noodles or egg noodles.
- Teriyaki Twist: Replace soy sauce mixture with teriyaki sauce.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
The workflow is fast and simple: prep ingredients, stir fry chicken, cook vegetables, mix sauce, and combine everything. High heat and quick movement are the keys to great stir fry.
Preparation Steps
- Slice chicken into thin strips for quick, even cooking.
- Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Prepare rice or noodles before starting the stir fry (the process goes fast).
Cooking Steps
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat and let it get very hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon oil, then cook chicken for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil, then sauté onions, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add Garlic & Ginger: Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Mix chicken back in with the vegetables.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the sauce and stir quickly until it thickens and glazes the stir fry.
- Finish & Serve: Turn off heat, add sesame oil, and top with green onions.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
- Make it noodle-style with rice noodles or egg noodles.
- Add sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
- Pair with a side of spring rolls or a light cucumber salad.
- Squeeze a little lemon or lime over the top for brightness.
4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes
With a few simple tips, your stir fry will come out fresh, crisp, and flavorful every time.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Use high heat—stir fry should sizzle to keep veggies crisp.
- Cut everything evenly so ingredients cook at the same speed.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or ingredients will steam instead of stir fry.
- Stir constantly to prevent burning and distribute flavor evenly.
- Prepare ingredients before cooking—stir fry moves FAST.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking vegetables too long—they should remain crisp.
- Adding sauce too early—it may evaporate or burn.
- Letting chicken overcook—remove it once lightly browned.
- Using cold pan—ingredients will stick and won’t brown properly.
- Adding too much water—sauce should be glossy, not watery.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Replace with beef strips, shrimp, turkey, tofu, or mushrooms.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for low-sodium or gluten-free.
- Honey: Replace with maple syrup or sugar.
- Oyster Sauce: Use hoisin or simply skip it.
- Vegetable Oil: Swap with sesame oil (for flavor) or olive oil.
Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations
- Creamy option: Add a spoon of peanut butter or coconut milk.
- Extra crunchy: Add toasted nuts or water chestnuts.
- Veggie-loaded: Add spinach, kale, or cabbage at the end.
- Lighter version: Reduce sauce and add more vegetables.
- High-protein: Add an extra chicken breast or chickpeas.
5. Storage & Reheating
This stir fry stores and reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep rice and stir fry separate for best texture.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken + veggies + sauce mixture for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and add fresh veggies if desired.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat gently with a splash of water for 2–3 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring for even heating.
- Avoid overheating, which can make veggies mushy.
6. Nutrition (Optional)
Estimated per serving (without rice):
- Calories: ~320–380
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
- Fat: 10–14 g
- Fiber: 3–5 g
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex
7. Conclusion
This fast and fresh chicken stir fry is exactly the kind of dinner that makes busy nights feel easy. With its tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful sauce, it’s a wholesome meal you can build in minutes while still enjoying full, satisfying flavor. Once you try it, this simple stir fry will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos.