If you are looking for a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute keeper. Bursting with a variety of colorful vegetables and tender chicken, this dish not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body with an array of textures and nutrients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you want a healthy, satisfying meal that feels like a celebration of fresh ingredients in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring their own unique touch. From the tender chicken to the crisp rainbow of veggies and the savory sauces, every element is perfectly balanced to create an unforgettable stir-fry experience.
- Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and juicy texture.
- Soy sauce (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Adds savory umami depth for marinating and finishing the dish.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp): Helps keep the chicken tender and creates a light coating for stir-frying.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): A neutral oil ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Red and yellow bell peppers (1 each): Their sweetness and bright colors give the dish visual appeal and flavor contrast.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds a hearty crunch and loads of green nutrition.
- Snap peas or snow peas (1 cup): Bring a crisp, fresh bite to the mix.
- Medium carrot (1): Thinly sliced for a subtle sweetness and a pop of orange.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for aromatic depth and a hint of pungency.
- Ginger (1 tsp, minced): Adds a lively, warm spice note that brightens the dish.
- Chicken broth or water (¼ cup): Creates a flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): Or oyster sauce for a sweet, slightly smoky glaze.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): A finishing drizzle that imparts nutty richness.
- Optional garnishes: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add texture and fresh zing.
How to Make Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by tossing your thinly sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This simple marinade tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with savory flavor while giving it a silky texture once cooked. Let it rest for about 10 minutes as you prepare your vibrant vegetables.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until the pieces develop a golden exterior and are cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside, so the pan stays hot for your veggies.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and toss in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing a fresh and appetizing aroma. Next, add the carrots and broccoli first, stir-frying these for 2 minutes to allow them to soften slightly. Then introduce the colorful bell peppers and snap peas, stir-frying the whole mix for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to keep them crisp and bright.
Step 4: Combine and Add Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables and pour in the chicken broth, hoisin sauce, extra soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together to thoroughly coat all the components in the flavorful sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through, your kitchen filled with the wonderful scent of this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Finishing touches are what make a dish feel extra special; sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over your stir-fry. Serve this vibrant creation over steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or your favorite noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and fresh green onions as garnishes helps elevate the dish with extra texture and bursts of freshness. These little details make the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. Alternatively, try it over noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, making the whole experience customizable for any mood or preference.
Creative Ways to Present
For friendly dinner parties or family meals, serve the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in a large colorful serving bowl to showcase the vivid vegetables. Or dish it into sectioned plates with separate sides of rice and pickled vegetables for a more composed and elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fresh vegetables and tender chicken hold up well but are best eaten sooner rather than later to maintain their bright colors and crisp textures.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a longer period, freeze your Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that some vegetables might soften upon thawing, so freezing works best if you plan to reheat in soups or add to fried rice later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring to warm evenly without overcooking the vegetables. Microwaving works too but try to avoid overheating to preserve that delicious crispness that makes this dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add your favorite seasonal vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn. Just keep in mind the cooking times so each vegetable stays perfectly tender-crisp.
Is it possible to make this stir fry vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth and vegan hoisin or oyster sauce alternatives for full flavor.
What is the best way to slice the chicken for stir-frying?
Slice your chicken thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and better integration with the vegetables.
Can I prepare part of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice the vegetables and marinate the chicken ahead of time to speed up cooking later. Just keep everything refrigerated and stir-fry quickly when ready to eat.
What can I serve with Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to make it a complete meal?
Serving it with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles completes the meal beautifully. Pair it with a light soup or a fresh salad for an even more balanced dining experience.
Final Thoughts
This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic way to bring color, health, and joy to your dinner table any night of the week. Its simplicity combined with vibrant flavors means it will quickly become one of your trusted go-to meals. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and healthy Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, balanced with a savory sauce made from soy, hoisin, and sesame oil.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Sauce & Cooking
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Toss the thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken becomes golden and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into the same pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced carrots and broccoli florets first and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and snap peas and continue stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the vegetables crisp and colorful.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the mixture is well coated and heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking on high heat keeps the vegetables crisp and maintains their vibrant colors.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a seafood alternative.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa to complete the meal.
- Adjust the amount of hoisin or soy sauce to your preferred saltiness and sweetness.
