Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl

Name: Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g boneless chicken breasts, sliced; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or quinoa; Chopped green onions (optional); Sesame seeds (optional)

Highlighted under: Clean Living Kitchen

I love a quick meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, and this Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl fits the bill perfectly. With vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a delicious sauce, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. What I adore most is how customizable it is; you can swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste. It’s my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Morgan Reeves

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:21:34.928Z

When I first made this Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I loved how the stir-frying technique kept the broccoli crisp and bright, while the chicken was juicy and flavorful. I recommend cooking the chicken until it’s just golden—this keeps it tender and enhances the overall taste.

The sauce is a combination of soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil, which adds a lovely depth. I've also experimented with adding some crushed garlic and ginger, which really elevates the dish. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with colorful veggies for vibrant nutrition
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights
Customization options let you make it your own

Selecting the Right Chicken

For this stir fry, boneless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. When slicing, aim for pieces about half an inch thick to ensure even cooking. If you're short on time, consider using pre-sliced chicken from the store. Just be cautious of the marinade time to keep flavors balanced without overpowering the dish.

If you're looking for alternatives, chicken thighs can be used for a richer taste. They are slightly higher in fat, which can result in a juicier stir fry, but you'll need to adjust cooking time accordingly. Thighs usually require a couple more minutes in the pan to ensure they're thoroughly cooked.

Perfecting Your Stir Fry Technique

Stir frying is all about high heat and quick movements. Preheating your pan is crucial; aim for a medium-high heat before adding the olive oil. This will give you that desirable sear and enhance the flavors of your chicken. You should see ripples in the oil before introducing the chicken to the pan, which indicates it's hot enough.

When adding vegetables, avoid overcrowding the pan. This can lower the heat and steam the veggies instead of stir frying them, resulting in a mushy texture. If your pan is small, consider cooking the chicken and vegetables in batches to maintain that crispy texture. You want your vegetables to be vibrant and just tender, retaining some crunch.

Customizing Your Sauce

The sauce plays a defining role in this stir fry bowl. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil provides a savory depth and nutty aroma. For those looking to reduce sodium, low-sodium soy sauce works just as well without sacrificing flavor. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for an extra tang or a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

If you'd like to experiment, consider adding crushed garlic or grated ginger to the sauce. These ingredients enhance the overall flavor profile, bringing a bright and aromatic quality to the dish. Just be cautious with the amounts; a little goes a long way and can entirely change the character of your stir fry.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

500g boneless chicken breasts, sliced
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, julienned
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Cooked rice or quinoa
Chopped green onions (optional)
Sesame seeds (optional)

Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or proteins!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add Sauce and Serve

Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil into the pan. Stir well to combine and heat through for an additional minute. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy this healthy stir-fry dish with your choice of rice or quinoa!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa, both of which serve as excellent bases. If you're aiming for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute that soaks up the sauce well and keeps the dish light.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. These can brighten the dish and add a refreshing contrast to the savory elements. A squeeze of lime juice over the top just before serving can also elevate the flavors nicely.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This will help prevent the chicken and vegetables from drying out.

For longer storage, consider freezing the stir fry. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, and it will keep for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that some vegetables may soften a bit more after freezing, but the flavors will still be incredible.

Variations and Additions

Endless variations can be made to suit your preferences or what you have available. Feel free to add different vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavors. You can even substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option altogether. These alterations keep the recipe fresh and exciting.

Incorporating different spices or sauces can also change up the flavor profile. Try adding a bit of chili paste for heat, or throw in some teriyaki sauce for a sweeter twist. My favorite is adding a sprinkle of chili flakes right before serving for an extra kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this stir fry. Just add them directly to the pan and cook a bit longer to thaw them out.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers when stir-frying the vegetables.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.