Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

The Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is a quick and delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering, this recipe showcases a mix of fresh vegetables and tender chicken, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a well-balanced meal option that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking, this meal can be on your table in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein, this stir-fry is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Easily customize it by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, or try different vegetables based on what you have on hand.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a savory-sweet flavor that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your stir-fry, gather the needed tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: These provide enough space for even cooking and allow the ingredients to stir-fry properly without overcrowding.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes cutting the chicken and vegetables easy and safe.
• Spatula: Useful for stirring and tossing ingredients to achieve that perfect stir-fried texture.

Ingredients

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cooking Time: 12 mins

Servings: 2

Calories per Serving: Around 430

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 boneless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Chili flakes (optional)

For the Base

• Cooked brown rice or wild rice mix

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the olive oil or sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken breast to the hot oil. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and green beans. Stir-fry these vegetables until they are tender-crisp, roughly 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Sauce

Add minced garlic to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. Stir everything together to coat evenly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss all ingredients together until well mixed. Allow them to heat through for another minute.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Serve your colorful stir-fry over a bed of warm brown rice or wild rice mix. If desired, sprinkle chili flakes for added heat before serving.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s as pleasing to eat as it is to look at!

How to Serve Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

Serving your Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice can be both fun and creative. This dish is versatile and can easily adapt to different tastes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Plating Options

• Layered Presentation: Serve the stir-fry over a mound of rice for a beautiful layered look.
• Bowl Style: Combine all ingredients in a bowl, allowing guests to mix as they eat.

Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Green Onions: Finely chop green onions and use them as a fresh garnish.

Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick that complements the flavors.
• Chili Oil: Offer chili oil on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.

How to Perfect Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

To ensure your Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Use enough soy sauce and spices to enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• High Heat Cooking: Sauté on high heat for quick cooking, which keeps veggies crunchy and chicken juicy.
• Prep Ingredients First: Chop all vegetables and chicken beforehand to streamline cooking and avoid overcooking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best taste and nutrition.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking of chicken and veggies.

Best Side Dishes for Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

Adding side dishes can elevate your meal experience when serving your Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame adds protein and a pop of color.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the warm stir-fry with its cool crunch.
3. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a light, crispy complement.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup enhances the Asian theme while being comforting.
5. Garlic Noodles: Tossed garlic noodles offer an extra carb option that’s full of flavor.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies add acidity that brightens up the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, they will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches to keep everything crispy and flavorful.
• Neglecting the Heat: Using low heat can lead to soggy veggies and undercooked chicken. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough for a proper stir-fry.
• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavor. Allow your chicken to sit in soy sauce and honey for a richer taste.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold chicken or vegetables can lower the pan temperature. Always use room temperature ingredients for even cooking.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Each vegetable has a different cooking time. Add them in stages based on how long they take to cook for optimal tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the stir-fry on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil and stir-fry until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice?

You can easily swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Adding other vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas also enhances flavors and textures.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce if desired.

What kind of rice works best?

Brown rice or a wild rice mix pairs perfectly with the stir-fry. However, white rice or quinoa can also be delicious alternatives.

How long does this recipe take?

The entire process takes about 27 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop your vegetables and marinate your chicken ahead of time, making the cooking process even quicker!

Final Thoughts

The Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re enjoying it as is or adding extra ingredients, this dish is sure to please any palate. Give it a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Colorful Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into culinary delights. This quick recipe features tender chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules or casual gatherings. Plus, its versatility allows you to swap proteins or veggies based on your preferences. Serve it over warm brown rice for a wholesome meal that not only looks good but also nourishes the body. Experience the joy of cooking with this easy-to-follow stir-fry that everyone will love!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 boneless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Cooked brown rice for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté diced chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, stir-fry broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, and green beans until tender-crisp (4-5 minutes).
4. Add minced garlic; stir in soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar.
5. Return chicken to the pan; toss all ingredients together and heat through for an additional minute.
6. Serve over warm brown rice and garnish as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg