When it comes to wholesome dinner recipes that are quick, nutritious, and family-friendly, nothing beats a good stir fry. This Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is the ultimate weeknight meal: tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce all cooked in one pan. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also incredibly versatile—you can adjust it to fit whatever ingredients you have on hand.
If you’ve been looking for dinner inspiration that’s both satisfying and stress-free, this stir fry deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Why Stir Fry is the Star of Dinner Recipes
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why stir fry meals stand out in the world of dinner recipes:
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Quick Cooking – A complete dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
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Healthy Choice – Packed with lean protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
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Customizable – Swap vegetables, adjust sauces, or add noodles/rice.
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Minimal Cleanup – One skillet or wok, less stress in the kitchen.
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Budget-Friendly – Uses everyday pantry staples and affordable veggies.
These advantages make stir fry recipes a must-have in any dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Here’s everything you’ll need:
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1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast – sliced thinly into strips
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2 tablespoons soy sauce – low sodium preferred
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1 tablespoon cornstarch – helps thicken sauce and coat chicken
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil – or sesame oil for added flavor
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1 red bell pepper – sliced into thin strips
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1 yellow bell pepper – sliced
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1 medium broccoli crown – cut into bite-sized florets
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2 medium carrots – thinly sliced or julienned
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1 small zucchini – sliced
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1/2 cup snap peas – trimmed
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3 garlic cloves – minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger – grated
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3 green onions – chopped for garnish
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Sesame seeds – optional garnish
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
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1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, adds depth)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
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1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for spice)
Kitchen Tools Needed
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Wok or large skillet
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Mixing bowls
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Small whisk for sauce
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Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
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In a medium bowl, combine chicken strips with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
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Toss until well coated. This ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
2: Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili flakes (if using), and cornstarch slurry.
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Set aside.
3: Cook the Chicken
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in your wok/skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken and stir fry for 4–5 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
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In the same pan, add remaining oil.
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Toss in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (30 seconds).
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Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and snap peas. Stir fry 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender.
5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
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Return chicken to the wok.
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Pour in the sauce mixture and toss everything until well coated.
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Cook for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the chicken and veggies.
6: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
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Prep Ahead – Have all ingredients chopped before cooking. Stir fry moves fast!
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High Heat is Key – Use a hot wok/skillet for that perfect sear.
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Don’t Overcrowd – Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
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Customize Vegetables – Cauliflower, baby corn, asparagus, or mushrooms work great too.
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Make it Low-Carb – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Boost Protein – Add tofu, shrimp, or beef for variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, about 1 cup)
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Calories: 290
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Protein: 27 g
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Carbohydrates: 20 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Sugars: 7 g
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Sodium: 560 mg
Values vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Pairing Suggestions for Dinner Recipes
To make your Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry a complete meal:
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Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
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Try brown rice or quinoa for a healthy twist.
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Add stir-fried noodles (lo mein, soba, or rice noodles) for extra heartiness.
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Pair with Asian-inspired sides like spring rolls or miso soup.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Dinner Recipes Collection
This Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry embodies everything people look for in dinner recipes: quick preparation, customizable flavors, balanced nutrition, and universal appeal. Unlike heavy meals, stir fry keeps dinner light but satisfying, which is why it has become a staple worldwide.
Adding this recipe to your weekly menu means less stress and more enjoyment around the dinner table.
Variations and Customizations
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Sweet & Sour Version – Add pineapple chunks and sweet chili sauce.
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Spicy Kick – Double the chili flakes or add fresh sliced chilies.
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Teriyaki Style – Replace sauce with teriyaki glaze.
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Peanut Flavor – Stir in 2 tablespoons peanut butter for a Thai-inspired taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking Veggies – They should be crisp, not mushy.
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Using Cold Chicken – Let chicken come to room temp for even cooking.
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Too Much Sauce – Start with less, add more if needed.
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Skipping the Cornstarch – It gives the sauce that glossy restaurant-quality finish.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for healthy, flavorful, and versatile dinner recipes, this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry should be at the top of your list. With its vibrant colors, nutrient-rich ingredients, and quick cooking method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Whether served with rice, noodles, or on its own, this dish brings the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Try it once, and it’ll become one of your most requested dinner recipes at home!
