Bright, colorful, and absolutely packed with nourishing flavor, Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is one of those weeknight heroes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Imagine tender chicken and an array of vibrant veggies, all tossed in a savory-sweet hoisin sauce and served on a bed of hearty brown rice. Not only does each bite deliver crunch, juiciness, and just the right hint of umami, but it’s ready in just about half an hour, making wholesome eating feel effortless and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is just how simple the ingredient list is! Every ingredient brings something special to the table, from the juicy chicken to the colorful veggies and those zippy flavor boosters that make each forkful irresistible.
- Chicken breast: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking in seasonings—just cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds essential salty-savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Cornstarch: Coats the chicken, resulting in extra-tender bites and a lightly thickened sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and veggies while keeping things heart-healthy.
- Broccoli florets: Give the dish a bright pop of green and crisp texture.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet and slightly tangy, adding more color and crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper: Mild and mellow, beautifully complementing the red pepper’s sweetness.
- Snap peas: Offer snap and tenderness—plus loads of fresh, garden flavor.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring bold aroma and zing to the mix.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of sharpness that balances the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet, tangy, and deeply savory—this is the main flavor-maker for your stir-fry.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens everything up with a gentle tang.
- Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way, infusing the whole dish with a nutty richness.
- Cooked brown rice: Makes the perfect hearty base, full of fiber and subtle flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors just right.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Optional, but highly recommended for crunch and fresh bite at the end.
How to Make Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice
Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce and cornstarch. This quick marinade is a flavor-boosting secret: the soy sauce adds savoriness while the cornstarch coats every piece for extra tenderness once cooked. Give it a few minutes while you chop your veggies—multitasking at its finest!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often until the pieces are golden and cooked through. When you’re done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same pan, add just a touch more olive oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, and snap peas. Sauté these for about 4–5 minutes—enough that they keep their bright color and crisp-tender bite. Now add garlic and ginger, cooking for only a minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to your skillet with the veggies. Stir in the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Cook everything for another 2–3 minutes, just until all the ingredients are sizzling together and evenly coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous portions of your stir-fry mixture over warm brown rice. For those final finishing touches, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bright green onions if you like. You’ll have a steaming bowl of Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice that not only looks stunning, but tastes absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions aren’t just for looks—they bring a little crunch and a pop of freshness that makes every bite of Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice even better. Don’t skip them if you have them on hand!
Side Dishes
A bowl of miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with this stir-fry, adding a refreshing contrast to the main event. If you love dipping sauces, a tiny dish of chili-garlic sauce on the side is fantastic for a spicy kick.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off the vibrant colors by serving your Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice in shallow bowls or even piled high in lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist. For parties, you can arrange the veggies and chicken separately on a platter with rice on the side, letting guests build their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Everything keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. This stir-fry and rice combo is great for meal prep; just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing. It’ll keep its taste and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Either way, your Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice returns to its lively, satisfying self in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef strips, or tofu to mix things up. Each option tastes fantastic with the veggies and sauce in this Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
Feel free to use whatever veggies you love or have in the fridge. Carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms are great additions, and this recipe is perfect for cleaning out your crisper drawer.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free, you can easily enjoy a gluten-free version of Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice.
How spicy is the finished stir-fry?
The recipe as written is mild, but you can dial up the heat with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a sliced chili pepper if you like things spicy.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge and even freezes well. Make a big batch on Sunday and you’ll have quick, nourishing lunches or dinners ready for the week.
Final Thoughts
Give Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice a try and see just how easy delicious, wholesome eating can be. This recipe brings gorgeous veggies, juicy chicken, and bold flavors together in every bite, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Join the stir-fry fan club—you won’t regret it!
Print
Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and healthy chicken and vegetable stir-fry served with brown rice, boasting a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, coat chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch. Cook in a skillet until browned. Set aside.
- Make the Stir-Fry: Sauté broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Add garlic and ginger. Return chicken to the pan with hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook until heated through.
- Serve: Over brown rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or add spice with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
