Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry – A Flavorful, Healthy Weeknight Meal

When it comes to quick, wholesome dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry takes the top spot. This colorful, vibrant dish brings together tender pieces of chicken breast, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s healthy, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to make this stir fry from scratch — from choosing the best vegetables and proteins to mastering the stir-fry technique that keeps everything crisp yet perfectly coated in sauce. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and incredibly adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stir Fry

• Quick and Easy: Dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
• Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
• Versatile: Works with nearly any veggie you have in your fridge.
• Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients with restaurant-quality flavor.
• Meal-Prep Ready: Tastes even better the next day.

This stir fry delivers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami flavors — all with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Ingredients for Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• ½ small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside — the cornstarch will help thicken the sauce later.
2. Prep the Chicken:
   Slice chicken breast thinly across the grain for tenderness. Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture (this helps it sear, not steam).
3. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli, bell pepper, onion, carrot, and snap peas. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir to re-mix the cornstarch (it settles fast), then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly — about 2 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry

A colorful and flavorful stir fry featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables coated in a savory-sweet sauce — ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Asian, Healthy

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Stir Fry

• 1 lb chicken breast thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 carrot julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• 0.5 onion sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 green onions sliced for garnish
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional garnish

Sauce

• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.5 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
2. Slice chicken thinly and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir fry until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining oil, garlic, and ginger to the wok. Stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, onion, and snap peas. Stir fry 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
6. Return chicken to the pan. Stir sauce again and pour over mixture. Cook until sauce thickens and coats evenly.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Adjust sweetness or spice level to your preference. Serve with rice or noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

1. Use High Heat:
A good stir fry should cook quickly over high heat. This locks in the flavors and keeps vegetables crisp.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
Cooking too much at once lowers the temperature, causing your ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.

3. Keep Everything Ready:
Stir fry cooking moves fast — so have all your ingredients prepped and within reach before starting.

4. Customize Your Veggies:
This recipe works beautifully with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy.

5. Balance the Sauce:
Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice to your liking. Add more soy sauce for salt, honey for sweetness, or chili for heat.

Healthy Benefits of Chicken Stir Fry

This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s packed with nutrition:

• Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle health.
• Vegetables offer vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber for digestion.
• Garlic and ginger contain anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• The sauce uses low-sodium soy and minimal oil, keeping calories in check.

Together, these ingredients make a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal that satisfies without guilt.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
• Low-Carb Option: Try with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
• Noodle Bowl: Toss with cooked soba, rice noodles, or lo mein.
• Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers; keeps well for 3–4 days.

A simple sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra soy sauce right before serving elevate the presentation beautifully.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Add extra chili flakes or sriracha.
• Teriyaki Twist: Replace the sauce with homemade teriyaki glaze.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
• Cashew Chicken Stir Fry: Add roasted cashews for crunch and nutty flavor.
• Thai-Inspired Version: Stir in a splash of fish sauce and lime juice for brightness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: You can freeze cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Fun Fact: The Secret of Stir Frying

Stir frying originated in China over 2,000 years ago and became a cornerstone of Asian cuisine for its speed and efficiency. The technique — known as chao in Mandarin — uses intense heat and constant motion to cook food evenly while preserving texture and flavor. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide as a healthy, flavorful cooking method adaptable to endless ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, umami-rich sauce, this dish offers comfort, color, and balance in every bite.

Whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal-prep option, this stir fry delivers restaurant-quality results straight from your own kitchen — all in under 30 minutes.