Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Soy Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s a staple in Asian-inspired cooking and one of the easiest ways to enjoy a balanced meal in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of stir-fry lies in its versatility—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and the soy sauce ties everything together with a rich umami flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious, nutritious, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it is simple, wholesome, and endlessly customizable. It’s one of those go-to meals that never fails—quick to make, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. I especially enjoy how the crisp vegetables contrast with the juicy chicken, all coated in that glossy soy sauce glaze.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Nutritious – Loaded with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.
- Customizable – Use any vegetables, proteins, or seasonings.
- Budget-Friendly – Simple pantry and fridge ingredients.
Recipe Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~350–380 per serving (without rice or noodles)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-inspired
- Course: Main Course, Dinner, Lunch
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas (or green beans)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water for thickening)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
- Chili flakes or sriracha (for spice)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Slice chicken and vegetables.
- Stir-fry chicken until golden, then remove.
- Cook vegetables until crisp-tender.
- Add chicken back, pour in sauce, and stir-fry until glossy.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry.
- Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices in a single layer. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the wok.
- Toss in garlic, ginger, onion, carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas.
- Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything together.
- Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to plates or bowls.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, or chili flakes.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
How to Serve
- Serve over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
- Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a stir-fry noodle dish.
- Pair with egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking.
- Cook over high heat for that authentic stir-fry sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Add sauce at the end so the vegetables don’t get soggy.
Variations
- Spicy: Add chili paste, sriracha, or extra fresh chilies.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
- Nutty: Add roasted cashews or peanuts for crunch.
- Sweet & Tangy: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked stir-fry (without rice) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet for best results. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Special Equipment Needed
- Wok or large non-stick skillet
- Sharp knife for slicing thin chicken and vegetables
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stir-frying
Conclusion
Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Soy Sauce is the perfect blend of speed, nutrition, and flavor. It’s a complete one-pan meal that’s endlessly adaptable and works for busy weeknights or meal prep. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and savory sauce make it a dish that everyone will love. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.