This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor! Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are wok-fried to golden perfection and tossed with crisp, colorful vegetables in a rich, savory brown sauce. Each bite bursts with umami goodness, making it a fantastic go-to meal for busy weeknights. Pair this dish with a bowl of fluffy white rice, fried rice, or even lo mein noodles for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, and the quick prep time means you can enjoy a homemade, healthy dinner in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving family and friends, this dish will be a hit at the table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Marinated Chicken:
- 20 oz boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into ¼-inch pieces (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
- ½ tsp kosher salt or fine salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- ¾ cup water
- 2½ tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb mixed vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, snow peas)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced (about 2–3 cloves)
- 1 tbsp ginger, peeled and minced (about 1-inch knob)
- Neutral oil for cooking
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken slices with water, Shaoxing rice wine, salt, and baking soda. Mix until the chicken absorbs most of the liquid.
- Add cornstarch and mix until the chicken is well coated. Finish with oil and mix until evenly combined.
- Let marinate for 10–15 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for best results).
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Blanch the Vegetables:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add vegetables in order of heartiness (e.g., start with broccoli and carrots, then add tender veggies like snow peas in the last few seconds). Cook until desired tenderness.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a wok or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom.
- Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook on both sides until fully cooked. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce and Stir Fry:
- Reduce heat to medium and keep about 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant (15–30 seconds).
- Stir the prepared sauce and pour it into the pan. Let it simmer until thickened and glossy, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low, add the cooked chicken, and mix until coated in sauce.
- Add the blanched vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with rice or lo mein. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Stir Fry Recipe Stands Out
- Quick and Easy:
One of the best aspects of this dish is how quickly it comes together. From preparation to serving, it takes only about 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for those who need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. - Nutritious and Balanced:
This dish is an excellent source of protein from the chicken and provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the mixed vegetables. The combination of lean protein and fiber-rich veggies makes it a well-balanced meal that supports a healthy diet. - Customizable:
You can use almost any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste and create a meal tailored to your preferences. Don’t like bell peppers? Swap them for bok choy or asparagus. Want a little heat? Add some sliced chili peppers. - Restaurant-Quality at Home:
Many people love stir-fry dishes at Chinese restaurants, but making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and sodium levels while still enjoying bold, umami-rich flavors.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
The key to a great stir-fry lies in its sauce and seasoning. In this recipe, the sauce is a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. Here’s what makes it so delicious:
- Soy Sauce: The foundation of many Asian stir-fry dishes, adding depth and saltiness.
- Dark Soy Sauce (Optional): Gives the dish a richer color and deeper flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the overall taste.
- Sugar: Balances the savory and salty flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics provide a fragrant, slightly spicy kick that brings all the flavors together.
When combined, these ingredients create a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly, making every bite satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits of This Stir Fry
This dish is more than just tasty it’s also packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. Here are some key benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which helps in muscle building and keeps you full for longer.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The variety of vegetables in this stir-fry provides a range of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall well-being.
- Low in Calories: Unlike deep-fried dishes, stir-frying requires minimal oil, keeping the calorie count in check while still delivering satisfying flavors.
- Great for Digestion: Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are high in fiber, which promotes good digestion and gut health.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stir Fry
To achieve the best results when making this stir fry, keep these pro cooking tips in mind:
- Prepare Everything Before Cooking:
Stir-frying is a fast process, so it’s essential to have all ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes marinating the chicken, cutting the vegetables, and mixing the sauce. - Use High Heat:
Stir-frying works best at high temperatures, which helps retain the crunchiness of the vegetables while ensuring the chicken is cooked quickly and evenly. A wok is ideal, but a large frying pan will also work. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
Cooking too much at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the right texture. - Marinate the Chicken:
Marinating the chicken with a small amount of cornstarch, baking soda, and Shaoxing wine (optional) helps tenderize the meat, giving it that classic restaurant-style softness. - Blanch Harder Vegetables First:
To ensure even cooking, blanch harder vegetables like broccoli and carrots before stir-frying. This prevents overcooking the softer ingredients while ensuring everything is perfectly tender.
Variations and Additions
One of the best things about this stir-fry recipe is how versatile it is. You can modify it in several ways to fit different tastes and dietary preferences:
1. Protein Variations:
- Swap Chicken for Beef, Shrimp, or Tofu: This recipe works well with other proteins. Use thinly sliced beef for a richer flavor, shrimp for a seafood twist, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer juicier meat, try boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have more fat content, which enhances flavor.
2. Vegetable Substitutions:
- Instead of bell peppers and carrots, try snap peas, bok choy, green beans, or baby corn.
- Mushrooms add an earthy depth, while zucchini gives a mild, slightly sweet taste.
3. Sauce Enhancements:
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of chili flakes, Sriracha, or fresh chopped chili peppers.
- If you love a richer umami taste, add a teaspoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
4. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this stir fry over steamed white or brown rice for a classic meal.
- For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Pair it with lo mein noodles for an authentic takeout-style experience.
Conclusion:
This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is a must-try dish that combines flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation in one meal. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick, homemade dish that rivals their favorite takeout. With its savory, slightly sweet sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, it offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to switch up the vegetables, proteins, and seasonings based on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a healthier alternative to restaurant stir-fry, this dish is a fantastic choice.