Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice Recipe

Sizzling Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious meals that pack serious flavor into a single skillet of chicken & veggie stir-fry with rice.

Busy home cooks seek simple solutions that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

This colorful dish combines lean protein with crisp vegetables for a balanced meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and vibrant colors on your plate.

Seasonal vegetables add crunch and essential nutrients to every bite.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of tender chicken and perfectly seasoned vegetables nestled over fluffy rice.

Fuel your body with this delicious, wholesome recipe that proves healthy eating can be both satisfying and exciting.

Reasons To Love Healthy Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry

  • Revolutionize Breakfast: Transform ordinary French toast into a sensational morning treat with a crispy cornflake coating that delivers an unexpected crunch in every bite.
  • Kid-Approved Delight: Perfect for picky eaters, this recipe turns a classic breakfast into a fun, interactive meal that children will love helping to prepare and devouring with excitement.
  • Quick Morning Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a go-to solution for busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Sensation: Elevate traditional French toast by adding a delightful crispy exterior from Crunchy Nut cornflakes, creating a mouthwatering contrast between the soft, custardy interior and the crunchy golden-brown outside.

Ingredients For Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides essential nutrients and serves as the primary source of protein in this stir-fry.
Grains:
  • Rice: A staple grain that offers a soft, fluffy base for the stir-fry and helps to make the meal more filling.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Red Onion, Broccoli: A colorful mix of vegetables that adds nutritional value, texture, and a variety of flavors to the dish.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the chicken and vegetables.
  • Oregano: An herb that adds a subtle earthy and slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
Oils and Sauces:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for cooking and adding a smooth texture to the stir-fry.
  • Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that brings umami flavor and helps to season the chicken.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that can add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the final dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare Fluffy Rice Base

Rinse rice thoroughly under cool water. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil.

Add rice and a pinch of salt. Lower heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently.

Cook for about 30 minutes until the rice becomes tender and perfectly soft.

Step 2: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Grab a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat.

Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the chicken with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).

Splash in soy sauce and sprinkle oregano, tossing to coat every piece evenly.

Step 3: Unleash Vegetable Magic

In a separate pan, heat olive oil and bring it to a gentle sizzle.

Toss in chopped carrots and let them dance in the pan for 3 minutes. Add your colorful veggie lineup:
  • Red onion
  • Broccoli

Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables develop a light caramelized edge while maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 4: Create Flavor Harmony

Combine the golden chicken with the vibrant vegetables.

Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a delicious medley.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spread the fluffy rice as a base on your plate.

Generously top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped herbs or sesame seeds on top.

Helpful Advice To Cook Perfect Stir-Fry

  • Add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin for an extra tangy kick that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat.
  • Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based protein alternative that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
  • Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce according to personal preference and tolerance.
  • Cook extra rice and chicken to create quick lunch bowls for the next day, saving time and reducing food waste.

Exciting Twists To Try On Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Veggie Protein Power: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein alternative that keeps the dish nutritious and satisfying.
  • Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha sauce or red chili flakes to create a zesty version with extra heat and bold flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.
  • Mediterranean Style: Substitute oregano with dried thyme, add feta cheese, and use kalamata olives to transform the stir-fry into a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Best Pairings To Serve With Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light, fresh flavors of the chicken and vegetables, cutting through the richness of the dish.
  • Boost with Citrus Spritzer: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink by mixing sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime juice, adding a bright, tangy element that enhances the stir-fry's vibrant taste.
  • Match with Asian-Inspired Beverage: Serve with green tea or a light sake to bring out the soy sauce and garlic undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire meal.
  • Accent with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a burst of freshness and provide an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the stir-fry.

Tips To Keep Chicken Veggie Stir-Fry Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, separating rice and stir-fry to maintain texture.
  • Pack cooled stir-fry and rice separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring airtight sealing to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place stir-fry and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this stir-fry?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are perfect. They cook quickly and absorb seasonings well, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. These alternatives maintain the same rich flavor while keeping the dish gluten-free.

  • How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding tofu, edamame, or increasing the chicken portion. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for extra protein and crunch.

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Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice Recipe

Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry With Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling Asian-inspired chicken and veggie stir-fry with rice brings exotic flavors to your dinner table. Quick, nutritious ingredients combine for a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts (diced)

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare rice by rinsing thoroughly and boiling water with salt, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until water is absorbed and grains are tender.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F) and season chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Sauté chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Drizzle soy sauce and sprinkle oregano over chicken, stirring to create an even coating and enhance flavor profile.
  5. In a separate pan, warm olive oil and add carrots, cooking for 3 minutes to soften slightly.
  6. Introduce red onion and broccoli to the pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are caramelized but retain a crisp texture.
  7. Combine cooked chicken with sautéed vegetables, gently tossing to integrate flavors and ensure even heat distribution.
  8. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2 minutes to meld ingredients and create a cohesive dish.
  9. Plate steamed rice as a base and top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for added visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in soy sauce and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Swap white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice to boost nutritional value and create low-carb or gluten-free alternatives.
  • Customize vegetable mix by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for extra color, texture, and nutritional diversity.
  • Use high-heat cooking oil like avocado or coconut oil to prevent burning and maintain healthier cooking temperatures during stir-frying.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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