If you are craving something vibrant, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying for dinner, the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish bursts with colorful vegetables and tender chicken, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce that hits just the right note. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors in just one plate, making mealtime exciting and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers fresh, wholesome goodness every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and each one plays a special role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your stir fry. From the crunch of fresh vegetables to the juicy chicken strips, every component brings something delicious to the table.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a slightly crispy texture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided: Adds savory depth and enhances umami flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that defines Asian-inspired stir fries.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a healthy, neutral base for cooking your ingredients evenly.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Injects a juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Offers a crisp, bright contrast and brightens the plate visually.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds crunch and a mild, earthy flavor while boosting nutritional value.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Provides natural sweetness and cheerful orange tones.
- 1 cup snap peas: Delivers a fresh, crisp bite that complements softer vegetables.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Gives a slight sharpness and lovely purple hue for contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a subtle spicy kick and bright freshness.
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light while adding savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the savory ingredients with just a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that lifts the overall dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): A delightful nutty crunch sprinkled on top when serving.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Freshens and brightens the presentation effortlessly.
How to Make Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing the thinly sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in a bowl. This simple step helps the chicken develop a light coating that locks in moisture and creates a slight crispiness when cooked. It’s a little trick that makes all the difference in texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can focus on the veggies next.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil along with the sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and let them cook for about 30 seconds until their rich aroma fills your kitchen—this is where the flavor starts to build beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
First, add the broccoli, carrots, and red onion to the skillet. Stir fry these hearty vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes, giving them a chance to soften slightly without losing their crunch. Next, introduce the colorful bell peppers and snap peas, cooking everything for another 2 to 3 minutes until all the veggies are crisp tender and vibrant.
Step 5: Create and Add the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables back in the skillet. Stir everything well and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and beautifully coats every ingredient.
How to Serve Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and scatter sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color. These simple touches give the dish a professional finish and a delightful textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines on its own but pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, tossed over your favorite noodles, it makes for a hearty, well-rounded meal that satisfies both the eyes and the stomach.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce wraps or over quinoa for an extra protein boost. You can also plate it in colorful bowls to highlight the vibrancy of the dish or pack it for an energizing lunch that brightens your day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in airtight containers placed in the refrigerator and are best enjoyed within 3 days. The vegetables maintain their crispness nicely, and the chicken remains tender, so the flavors stay fresh and tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, though the texture of some veggies might soften upon thawing. Store the stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Remember to label and date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the vegetables’ crispness instead of using a microwave, which can make them soggy. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the dish feels dry, and stir until heated through.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe works great with shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.
What vegetables can I add or swap in this recipe?
This stir fry is very versatile. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or green beans to customize the dish to your liking or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe spicy, and how can I make it spicy if I want to?
As written, this recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you love heat, add red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha to the stir fry at the end for a spicy kick.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice your vegetables and chicken earlier in the day or the night before and keep them refrigerated. This makes cooking the stir fry much quicker and stress-free.
What is the best oil to use for stir-frying?
Olive oil and sesame oil are the chosen oils here for their flavor and health benefits. You can also use other neutral oils like avocado or grapeseed oil depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyous about bringing a Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to the table. It combines freshness, simplicity, and bold flavors in a way that feels like a celebration of color and taste. I hope you’ll dive into this recipe soon and discover how effortless and rewarding a vibrant stir fry can be for your daily meals.
Print
Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Description
This vibrant Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry combines tender strips of chicken breast with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that pleases both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Sauces and Oils
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce until evenly coated. This will help create a slight crust when cooking and add flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining olive oil and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the oils with flavor.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and red onion to the pan. Stir fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and snap peas. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until all vegetables are crisp tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, low sodium chicken broth, honey, and rice vinegar to create a balanced sauce with savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and glaze the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving to add a nutty crunch and fresh flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken to accommodate dietary preferences.
- For added heat, include red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce while stir frying.
- Serve the stir fry over steamed white or brown rice, or your favorite noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
