Spring Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Name: Spring Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly; 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup snap peas, trimmed; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Highlighted under: Speedy Kitchen Ideas

I love making this Spring Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry because it's a vibrant and healthy dish that bursts with fresh flavors. As the weather warms up, I find myself craving lighter meals, and this stir-fry captures all the excitement of spring with colorful vegetables and tender chicken. The best part is how easy it is to prepare! In just 30 minutes, I can have a delicious dinner on the table, and it's perfect for any night of the week.

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-13T16:22:19.447Z

When I made this Spring Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry for the first time, I was amazed by how quickly everything came together. The colorful vegetables not only make the dish appealing but also add tons of nutrients. I love using a mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, which provide a delightful crunch and complement the tender chicken perfectly.

One specific detail to enhance the flavor is to marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. Not only does it add depth to the dish, but it also results in beautifully seasoned meat. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright colors and fresh flavors that capture the essence of spring
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
A healthy option packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables

Get the Most Flavor from Your Ingredients

The key to this Spring Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry lies in the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger not only enhances its taste but also tenderizes the meat. I recommend marinating for at least 10 minutes, but if you have more time, letting it sit for up to 30 minutes can really deepen the flavor profile. Just remember not to over-marinate, as the soy sauce can begin to break down the texture of the chicken.

Choosing fresh vegetables is essential for achieving the vibrant colors and crisp textures characteristic of this dish. I like to use a mix of bell peppers, as they add sweetness and crunch. When selecting your vegetables, look for snap peas that have a glossy appearance; they should be firm and bright green. Additionally, julienned carrots should be sliced thinly to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that they maintain a slight crunch and don’t become mushy during the stir-fry.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is a quick cooking method that relies on high heat, making it crucial to prepare all your ingredients before starting. Use a wok or a large skillet that allows for maximum surface area; this promotes even cooking and gives the dish those characteristic sear marks. Heat your skillet until it's hot enough that a drop of water sizzles upon contact. This not only cooks the food quickly but also helps create that incredible stir-fried aroma that signals the dish is ready.

When it comes time to add the vegetables, stir-frying them for about 5 minutes ensures they remain bright and tender-crisp. If you find that your vegetables start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Remember, the goal is to keep them colorful and vibrant, as this enhances both the visual appeal and nutritional value of the dish. You can also experiment with additional vegetables if you have favorites on hand; just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make a wholesome stir-fry:

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly
2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1 cup carrots, julienned
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

These ingredients will come together beautifully for a delicious stir-fry!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your stir-fry:

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Heat Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but crisp.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over rice or noodles.

Your stir-fry is now ready to enjoy. Bon appétit!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, feel free to add your favorite stir-fry sauce or additional spices based on your taste preferences. Watch the vegetables closely to avoid overcooking them, ensuring they remain crunchy.

Make-Ahead Tips

This stir-fry can be prepped in advance, making it even easier to enjoy on busy nights. You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Additionally, cutting your vegetables the night before and storing them in an airtight container can save valuable time during your cook time. Just be sure to keep the vegetables refrigerated to maintain their freshness.

If you plan to serve this dish later, consider slightly undercooking the vegetables to keep them crisp when reheating. Stir-fries tend to lose their textural integrity if overcooked, so a slight crunch in the veggies will provide that delightful contrast when reheated.

Serving Suggestions

While I typically serve this stir-fry over rice or noodles, there are plenty of options to elevate your meal. For a lighter approach, consider pairing it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy alternative that still complements the dish's flavors. You can also personalize your serving dish with toppings like sesame seeds or sliced green onions to add a fresh pop and extra texture.

If you want to stretch this recipe further, consider adding more protein sources, such as tofu or shrimp, which cook quickly alongside the chicken. This not only increases the protein content but also makes the dish more filling, perfect for families or gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any of your favorite vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce, this stir-fry can easily be made gluten-free.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time for quicker cooking.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick!