There’s something so satisfying about the bright colors and bold flavors of a quick skillet dinner, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe. It’s a simple, speedy dish that brings delicious freshness and a tasty sauce all in one pan—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely enthusiastic about this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe because it balances bright veggies, tender chicken, and a sauce that hits that magical sweet, savory, and tangy trifecta. I keep coming back to it because it’s quick, flexible, and always crowd-pleasing.
- Speedy Prep and Cooking: You’ll have dinner ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on hectic evenings.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: The blend of toasted sesame oil, coconut aminos, and tomato paste creates a unique, crave-worthy coating for every bite.
- Colorful, Fresh Veggies: The crisp-tender peppers and snap peas add sweetness and crunch your taste buds will thank you for.
- Super Customizable: Whether you want to swap veggies, adjust heat, or swap a key ingredient, it’s easy to make it your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a well-rounded dish. The chicken adds hearty protein, while the colorful veggies keep it light and fresh. The sauce ties it all together with balance and depth. When shopping, look for the freshest veggies you can find, and don’t hesitate to pick organic chicken for added flavor and quality.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: Both oils have a high smoke point perfect for stir-frying without burning.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Fine salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken flavor.
- Bell peppers (red and yellow): They add sweetness and vibrant color to brighten your plate.
- Snap peas or snow peas: Their crisp texture contrasts nicely with tender cooked chicken.
- Green onions: Using the whites for cooking and greens for garnish adds layers of flavor.
- Coconut aminos: A great soy sauce alternative that’s slightly sweeter and salty, making it perfect for this stir fry.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty richness that’s essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Tomato paste: Brings a pleasant tang and deep umami note to the sauce.
- Honey: Balances the tanginess with natural sweetness.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: The dynamic duo that adds punch and warmth to the mix.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for subtle heat that wakes up your palate.
Make It Your Way
I love how this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe lends itself so well to tweaks and personal touches. You can easily swap veggies depending on what you have or switch up the sauce components for a different flavor profile. It’s all about making this recipe work for your tastes and pantry.
- Variation: On chillier days, I sometimes toss in shredded kale or baby spinach at the end to add greens that wilt quickly and blend perfectly with the sauce.
- Spicy Boost: If you're craving heat, I add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha right before serving—just enough to keep things lively.
- Gluten-Free Swap: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to coconut aminos, which is a wonderful soy sauce alternative, so it’s great if you’re avoiding gluten.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Just Right
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers—this means it’s hot enough but not smoking. Add the thin strips of chicken you’ve seasoned with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes to get a nice, golden sear on one side. This is key for flavor and prevents sticking. Then stir and flip the chicken to brown the other side and finish cooking through, about another 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, move the chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll end up steaming instead of searing.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies to Crisp-Tender Perfection
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your skillet and toss in your sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and the white parts of green onions. Stir these frequently for that perfect texture—about 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp and bright. This contrast brings freshness and keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Don’t rush this step; the vegetables need to stay vibrant.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Flavorful Sauce
While the veggies are softening, whisk together coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, tomato paste, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic that pulls all the flavors together. Once your veggies are ready, return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Toss well to coat every piece, then let the mixture come to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to cling to the chicken and veggies.
Step 4: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Sides
This is where you add the finishing touches. Serve over cooked rice for a filling meal, and sprinkle with sliced green onion tops and sesame seeds for a little crunch and visual appeal. This stir fry is best eaten fresh while it’s warm and saucy!
Top Tip
In my experience, speed and temperature are everything with this stir fry. Cooking each component properly without crowding your pan or rushing guarantees that perfect tender-crisp texture and rich caramelization on the chicken.
- Heat Control: Make sure your skillet is hot before you add the chicken to get a nice sear rather than a steamed, soggy result.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed; overcrowding leads to moisture and less browning.
- Prep Ahead: Slice the chicken and veggies before you start to keep the flow going smoothly while cooking.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Use fresh ingredients here—fresh grated ginger especially adds brightness that powder can’t match.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love topping this stir fry with freshly sliced green onion tops and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—it adds a beautiful color contrast and nutty crunch. Sometimes I like a thin drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil for that irresistible aroma just before serving.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this stir fry over plain jasmine or brown rice to soak up the sauce. But it’s also delicious with cauliflower rice if you want to keep it lower carb, or even fresh steamed noodles for a comforting twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or when I want to impress friends, I serve this colorful stir fry in individual bowls layered with a bed of rice and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or toasted nuts on top. It looks stunning and feels a little fancy without extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If I want to prep in advance, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and reheat, just know the veggies might be a little softer, but the sauce and chicken hold up beautifully.
Reheating
I reheat this stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it feels dry. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out and keeps the sauce glossy and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this stir fry since they stay juicy and tender when cooked quickly. Just slice them thinly like the breasts and follow the same cooking steps. You might even find the richer flavor a nice change.
You can substitute traditional soy sauce for coconut aminos but keep in mind it’s saltier, so reduce the salt you add to the chicken initially by half. For a gluten-free option, tamari works well too.
Definitely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing it before cooking. You may want to add a little extra sauce to coat the tofu nicely since it absorbs flavors differently.
Keeping your skillet hot and cooking veggies in batches if needed helps maintain their crispness. Stir frequently but don’t overcook—remove vegetables as soon as they’re tender-crisp. Using fresh, high-quality produce also makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick, it’s vibrant, and every bite is packed with comforting flavor that’s just right—not overly heavy or complicated. I hope you give it a go and make it your new weeknight staple like I have. Trust me, once you taste how easy and tasty it is, this recipe will be on repeat!
Print
Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and flavorful Chicken Stir Fry is a perfect weeknight dinner that's sweet, savory, and tangy with a hint of spice. Featuring tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and a delicious homemade sauce made from coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, tomato paste, honey, garlic, and ginger, this dish is naturally gluten-free and protein-packed. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a family-friendly, easy-to-customize meal that's great for meal prep and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into thin strips (1 red and 1 yellow)
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 3 green onions, ends trimmed and sliced, white and green parts separated
Sauce
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional for serving: cooked rice, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned on one side, then stir and flip to cook through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same hot skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers, snap peas, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender but crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: While vegetables cook, whisk together coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, tomato paste, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and toss to combine. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and mix well to coat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice if desired. Garnish with the green tops of the sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- This stir fry is naturally gluten-free and a healthier alternative to takeout.
- Feel free to swap bell peppers or snap peas for your favorite vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point oil for cooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For meal prep, cook rice separately and store it to serve when reheating the stir fry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of the stir-fry
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 779 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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