Description
A quick and healthy chicken and vegetable stir-fry packed with colorful veggies and a flavorful homemade sauce. This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner served over brown or white rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1 small zucchini (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Serving & Garnish
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the broccoli, red bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables in the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and stir well to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and veggie stir-fry over the cooked brown or white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener in the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit for milder flavor.
- Substitute chicken breasts with tofu or shrimp for a variation.
- Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients but takes longer to cook than white rice.
- Ensure vegetables are not overcooked to retain their crunch and nutrients.
- Sesame seeds and green onions add nice texture and flavor on top but are optional.
