Chinese-Style Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipe

Chinese-style chicken and vegetable stir-fry is one of the most popular and versatile dishes in Asian cuisine. Known for its vibrant colors, delightful flavors, and quick preparation, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, delicious, and filling. Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken stir-fry with vegetables, or you want to elevate your stir-fry chicken and vegetables to new heights, this recipe has something for everyone.

In this article, we will explore how to make the best Chinese chicken stir-fry with vegetables, the secrets to a perfect stir-fry, and the health benefits of the ingredients used in this dish. You will also discover variations to this dish that you can incorporate into your regular meal plan, from using chicken breasts to adding your favorite vegetables.

Why Chinese-Style Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry Is a Favorite

Stir-fry dishes are iconic in Chinese cuisine. The technique involves quickly cooking ingredients over high heat while stirring them constantly. This method preserves the flavor and texture of the ingredients, making stir-fries one of the healthiest and most satisfying ways to cook. Chicken stir-fry with vegetables rice is an especially good combination, as it incorporates lean protein from the chicken and a variety of vegetables, making it both nutritious and filling.

Chicken stir-fry is one of those recipes that can be made in so many different ways depending on the ingredients you have at hand. From chicken breast stir-fry recipes to stir-fry chicken and vegetables with your favorite sauces, the options are endless. The best part is that it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef looking for an easy chicken stir-fry with vegetables, this recipe will help you create a delicious, authentic Chinese-style dish.

Ingredients for Chinese-Style Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry

The key to any good stir-fry lies in the ingredients. This recipe uses a combination of fresh vegetables and chicken breasts, along with a savory sauce to tie everything together. The following ingredients are commonly used for stir-fry chicken and vegetables:

Main Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the go-to choice for stir-fry. They are lean, tender, and cook quickly, making them perfect for stir-fry recipes. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a more flavorful cut.
Vegetables: A colorful mix of vegetables is essential for the best Chinese chicken recipes. This recipe uses bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. You can also include other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and baby corn depending on what’s available.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking. It adds a salty, umami flavor to the stir-fry. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you want a healthier version.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor and aroma that is a signature in many Chinese dishes.
Rice: Serve your stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice to complete the meal.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil is used to cook the chicken and vegetables. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that is perfect for stir-frying.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is often added to the sauce to create a thick, glossy finish. It also helps to coat the chicken and vegetables, making the stir-fry sauce cling better.

Optional Ingredients

Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili: For those who enjoy a little spice, adding chili flakes or fresh chili slices can kick up the heat of the dish.
Spring Onions: A garnish of sliced spring onions adds a fresh crunch and color to the dish.

How to Make Chinese-Style Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry

Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to making the best Chinese chicken stir-fry with vegetables rice.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients before you begin cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so having everything ready will make the process easier.

Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and quickly.
Chop the vegetables: Wash and slice the bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. For the carrots, it’s best to slice them thinly to ensure they cook quickly.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix well until the cornstarch dissolves, creating a smooth sauce.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat the pan: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Cook the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add the vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas) to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook them; the vegetables should still have some crunch to them.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
Cook briefly: Let the stir-fry cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients. The cornstarch will help create a glossy, smooth sauce.

Step 5: Serve the Stir-Fry

Serve over rice: Serve your delicious stir-fry chicken and vegetables over a bed of steamed rice. You can garnish with freshly sliced spring onions or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Enjoy: Now you have a mouth-watering Chinese-style chicken and vegetable stir-fry that is perfect for a quick dinner.

Health Benefits of Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

In addition to being tasty, Chinese-style chicken stir-fry is also a healthy option for dinner. Here’s why:

Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.
Vegetables: The variety of vegetables used in this dish provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For example, broccoli is high in vitamin C, while carrots provide beta-carotene, and bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants.
Low in Fat: Using lean chicken breast and a moderate amount of oil helps keep the dish lower in fat compared to other stir-fry recipes that use fatty cuts of meat or excess oil.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetable content to meet your dietary needs, whether you want to add more greens or switch out some veggies.

Variations of Chinese-Style Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry

While the base recipe for chicken stir-fry with vegetables is delicious on its own, you can customize it to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations:

Add More Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add more protein to the stir-fry. Try adding shrimp, beef, or tofu for different textures and flavors.
Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce and ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables. You could add tofu or tempeh for added protein.
Sweet & Sour Stir-Fry: If you love a sweet and tangy flavor, add some pineapple chunks and a splash of sweet chili sauce to the stir-fry for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

Chinese-style chicken and vegetable stir-fry is the ultimate easy chicken stir-fry with vegetables. Not only is it a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for chicken stir-fry easy recipes, chicken breast stir-fry recipes, or a Chinese chicken stir-fry with vegetables rice, this dish can be tailored to fit your preferences. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a quick, nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

From chicken stir-fry dinner recipes to stir-fry chicken and vegetables, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Chinese chicken breast recipes and stir-fry dishes. So, go ahead and try making this delicious stir-fry at home, and enjoy the satisfying flavors of your very own Chinese-style chicken and vegetable stir-fry!