Weeknight Winner: Flavor-Packed Chicken Stir-Fry.

A quick and easy recipe that’s packed with nutrients.

Let’s face it, life can get hectic, especially around the holidays. Between work, family, and social commitments, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like a challenge. But fear not! This quick and easy chicken stir-fry is here to save the day for you and your busy family. Packed with vibrant veggies, lean protein, and a sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, this stir-fry is a quick, versatile choice that everyone will love.

From its colorful ingredients to its simple preparation, this dish is more than just a meal—it’s a complete, nutrient-dense dinner that will keep you energized and satisfied. Plus, with endless ways to customize, you can make it your own with your family’s favorite flavors. Perfect for those nights when you want a healthy, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And it also keeps well for fast and healthy leftovers. 

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1 large red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas, sliced into 1″ pieces
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 2 cups frozen broccoli, defrosted
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 4 cups cooked rice, noodles, or other serving options
• Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour.

Sizzle and Sear the Chicken

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sauté an Abundance of Healthy Vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the pan and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, and broccoli. Stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the vegetables and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

The Grand Finale

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Stir to combine. Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite grain, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips

• Switch up your protein While chicken is a popular choice, you can easily swap it out for shrimp, beef, or tofu. For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider adding extra tofu or lentils for a protein boost.
• Go gluten-free For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Amp up the veggies Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers are classic choices, but don’t be afraid to try other options like baby corn, water chestnuts, or mushrooms.
• Play with the bass No white rice? Consider using brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, ramen, or zucchini noodles as a base.
• Mind your sauce Adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Craving a sweeter flavor? Increase the honey or add a touch of maple syrup. Since we’re cooking with reduced-sodium soy sauce, be sure to taste the final stir fry for seasoning and add salt to taste if needed.

This chicken stir-fry is a go-to for busy families who don’t want to compromise on taste or nutrition. With easy-to-find ingredients and a quick cook time, it’s a recipe you can return to week after week, tweaking and experimenting with new flavors as you go. So the next time you’re looking for a delicious, nourishing meal to fuel your family, let this stir-fry bring everyone together around the table—no reservations required! Enjoy the simplicity, savor the flavor, and feel good about serving up a dish that truly satisfies.