This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is an explosion of color and flavor. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with crisp, vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a balanced sweetness and saltiness, complementing the freshness of the vegetables perfectly.
Not only is this dish visually stunning, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful lunch, this stir-fry delivers. The best part? It’s fully customizable—add your favorite veggies or protein to suit your taste. It’s a versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil together. Pour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. It combines tender chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli, all sautéed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil. The result is a colorful and satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with a side of rice or noodles.
Origin and History:
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It involves cooking ingredients quickly in a hot pan or wok with a small amount of oil. The method is known for preserving the texture, color, and nutrients of vegetables while infusing them with rich flavors. This technique has spread across many cultures, evolving into different variations of stir-fry dishes, like the Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a wok or large skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because of its shape, which allows for even heat distribution and easy tossing of ingredients.
- Prep your ingredients first: Stir-frying is a fast cooking process, so it’s essential to chop all your vegetables and slice your chicken ahead of time.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a larger batch, stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce by adding chili flakes for some heat, or experimenting with other sauces like hoisin or teriyaki for a different flavor profile.
This stir-fry is highly versatile. You can swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand, or even use tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version. The dish is perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep for the week, or even as a healthy lunch option.
Adding this recipe to your repertoire will make your weeknight dinners simpler, healthier, and more delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breast is commonly used in this dish, offering a lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce. You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a more tender, juicy cut.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli are used in this recipe, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can experiment with other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or onions, depending on your preference.
- Sauce: The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil. This combination gives the dish a savory, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of richness from the sesame oil. If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Preparation is Key: Since stir-frying is a fast cooking process, make sure to chop all your ingredients before you start cooking. This ensures everything cooks evenly and at the right time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying works best when the ingredients can move freely in the pan. If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Use a High Heat: Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. High heat helps the chicken sear and cook quickly, while preserving the crunch of the vegetables.
- Add Sauce at the Right Time: Pour the sauce over the cooked vegetables and chicken towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to coat everything evenly and infuse the flavors without overcooking.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version. Tofu can absorb the flavors of the sauce while providing a plant-based protein.
- Customizable Vegetables: Feel free to swap in different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Other great options include snap peas, bok choy, or cauliflower.
- Add Heat: For those who enjoy spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the stir fry for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrition and flavor. The balance of savory sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables makes it a satisfying dish that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a meal prep for the week, this dish is perfect for any occasion. It’s a well-rounded meal that can be served on its own or with a side of rice or noodles for added fullness.
Health Benefits:
- Protein-Rich: The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Full of Veggies: This dish is an excellent way to increase your vegetable intake. The mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli offers plenty of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
- Low in Calories: This stir fry is a great option for those watching their calorie intake, as it’s nutrient-dense and filling without being heavy.
This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is the kind of dish that can easily be tailored to suit different dietary needs, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick and healthy meal. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile recipe and feel free to add your own unique twist to it!
Conclusion
This Chicken with Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry is a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With its colorful mix of vegetables and lean protein from the chicken, it offers a well-balanced meal that’s quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The savory-sweet sauce enhances the dish, creating a satisfying and delicious experience. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or paired with rice or noodles, this stir fry is a versatile and healthy addition to your recipe repertoire. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables or protein options based on your preferences. Enjoy the simplicity and taste of this healthy stir-fry, and feel good knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.