Easy Delicious Chicken Stir Fry: Quick, Healthy, and Flavor-Packed

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both wholesome and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Chicken Stir Fry recipe is your new best friend. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a high protein meal that comes together quickly, without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Whether you’re managing meal planning chicken or searching for budget-friendly recipes, this dish offers a fantastic balance of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a savory sauce that hits all the right notes.

Stir-fries are one of the best ways to enjoy a low calorie high nutrition meal that feels satisfying and comforting. Plus, they’re fantastic for meal prep microwave lunches and healthy boxed meals because they reheat well and keep their texture and flavor. Let’s dive into this vibrant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand, making it an ideal best meal prep healthy option.

The sauce strikes a perfect balance—savory, slightly sweet, and with a hint of ginger and garlic that brings warmth and depth to every bite.

It’s a great way to incorporate high protein high carb low fat meals into your routine without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, this stir fry makes a quick family meal that everyone will love.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets this stir fry apart is the simplicity of the ingredients coming together with maximum flavor impact. The marinated chicken, coated lightly in cornstarch, develops a slight crispness that locks in juices while the fresh veggies retain their crunch.

The sauce—a mix of soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and chicken broth—coats everything in a glossy, luscious glaze that’s irresistible.

Using fresh garlic and ginger adds aromatic complexity, making this much more than just your average stir fry.

Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This helps tenderize the chicken and creates a light coating for better texture. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep your veggies.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and water or chicken broth. Set this flavorful sauce aside—it’s what will bring your stir fry to life.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas. Stir fry these veggies for 4 to 5 minutes, aiming for a crisp-tender texture that still has a satisfying crunch.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir fry for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this little step adds a ton of aroma and depth.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together, making sure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and thicken the sauce slightly.

Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over your favorite cooked rice or noodles for a complete high protein microwave meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Tips for Best Results

Slice the chicken thinly to ensure quick, even cooking.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—if needed, cook veggies in batches to maintain their crispness.

Adjust the sauce quantities to suit your taste—double it if you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice.

Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best aromatic punch.

Keep veggies bite-sized and uniform for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free or lower sodium option.

Add mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or water chestnuts for extra texture and nutrition.

Skip the oyster sauce to keep the dish vegan if using tofu instead of chicken.

Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for a nutty finish.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve this chicken stir fry over jasmine or brown rice for a filling high carb high protein low fat meal.

Try it with rice noodles or whole wheat noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.

Pair with steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad for refreshing contrast.

Make lettuce wraps for a low-carb keto meal plan friendly version.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

Pair with a chilled light beer or a glass of Riesling to balance the savory flavors.

Sparkling water with lime or ginger ale refreshes the palate without overpowering the dish.

For sides, consider miso soup or a seaweed salad for an authentic Asian meal experience.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to rewarm evenly.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep veggies crisp.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Cook the stir fry ahead and refrigerate for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Freeze cooked chicken and veggies separately if you want to prep in advance, then thaw and quickly toss with freshly made sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting chicken too thick leads to uneven cooking.

Overcrowding the pan steams the veggies instead of stir frying them.

Forgetting to toss the chicken with cornstarch means a less appealing texture.

Not cooking garlic and ginger briefly at the right time misses out on maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh is best for maintaining crunch.

Can I substitute chicken with tofu?
Absolutely, use firm tofu and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Swap rice for cauliflower rice to fit a high protein keto meal plan.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or sriracha to the sauce.

How long does leftover stir fry last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Wok or large skillet
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowls
Measuring spoons and cups
Spatula or wooden spoon

This best dinner prep meal is a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and ease. It fits beautifully into good meal prep plans and meal prep microwave lunches, making your week healthier and tastier with minimal effort.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!