If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and quick to whip up, this Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a fragrant sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between ease and restaurant-quality flavor, making it an absolute must-try for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the backbone of this Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe. Each one brings something special to the table—from the juicy tenderness of chicken breasts to the bright crunch of bell peppers and broccoli, plus aromatic garlic and ginger that lift the entire dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): Choose fresh chicken for a tender, juicy bite every time.
- Fresh ginger, finely grated (1 tbsp): Adds a warm, slightly spicy aroma that perfectly complements the garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves): Essential for that robust, savory flavor that sings in every stir-fry.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Balances saltiness and umami without overpowering the dish.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Gives the dish a lovely green color and crisp texture.
- Red and yellow bell peppers, sliced: These add sweetness, crunch, and a vibrant pop of color.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Enhances the sauce’s flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): This combo thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for high-heat cooking without smoking or burning.
How to Make Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Heat things up
Start by preheating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and adding the vegetable oil. Getting the pan hot right away is key to achieving that perfect sear on your chicken without overcooking it later.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re roughly uniform so they cook evenly. Toss them into the hot skillet and stir-fry until they turn a golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step locks in juicy flavor with a nice texture.
Step 3: Aromatics in action
Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds, just until the scents are released. This quick step infuses the dish with the signature fragrance of any great stir-fry.
Step 4: Add the veggies
Next, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the broccoli florets. Stir-fry these together for about 3 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture—soft enough to enjoy but with a fresh crunch that makes every bite exciting.
Step 5: Saucing it up
Pour in the soy sauce and chicken broth, stirring to coat everything evenly. Then whisk your cornstarch and water mixture until smooth, adding it to the pan while stirring constantly. This will thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, delicious coating that clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.
Step 6: Ready to serve
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through, remove the stir-fry from the heat. It’s best served immediately for maximum freshness and flavor. Pair it with your favorite steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How to Serve Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add an extra layer of flavor and a lovely visual appeal. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from everyday to spectacular with just a touch of crunch and color.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, enhancing the meal with wholesome grains. Alternatively, serve it over egg noodles or rice noodles for a more indulgent, noodle-forward experience that absorbs every bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still tastes indulgent. You could also pile it into a warmed tortilla for an Asian-inspired wrap that’s perfect for lunch on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken and vegetables moist, so reheating won’t leave anything dry.
Freezing
Although fresh stir-fry tastes best, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe gently over medium heat in a skillet to preserve texture and flavor. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat that stays extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through but not dry.
What vegetables work best for this stir-fry?
Broccoli and bell peppers are classic choices, but feel free to mix in snap peas, snow peas, carrots, or baby corn for different textures and flavors.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch is key to achieving that smooth, glossy sauce that clings to each ingredient. Without it, the sauce will be thinner and less cohesive, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to make a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
This Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies if you enjoy a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe has earned its place as a favorite for so many reasons: it’s quick, colorful, and packed with bright, fresh flavors that never fail to satisfy. Once you’ve mastered the basic steps here, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins. So go ahead, try it tonight—you might just find yourself making this dish again and again!
Print
Simple Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese-inspired chicken stir-fry features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts cooked with fresh ginger, garlic, and colorful bell peppers and broccoli florets. The dish is quickly cooked in a hot skillet, then finished with a savory soy-based sauce thickened with cornstarch for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a quick and healthy weeknight meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
Sauce and Others
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Cook vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with broccoli florets to the skillet, stir-frying for an additional 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Add sauce: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth. Then stir in the cornstarch-water slurry gradually, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken to ensure proper browning and seal in juices.
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce without adding lumps; add it slowly while stirring.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- You can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for a spicy kick if desired.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles as a complete meal.
