If you are craving a meal that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome goodness, then you will absolutely adore this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. This dish brings together tender slices of chicken with an array of crisp vegetables, all tossed in a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a celebration on your plate while being quick and simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Each bite delivers a wonderful mix of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds without any guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, you only need a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients that each shine in their own way. Every component plays a crucial role — from the juicy chicken that serves as your protein base, to the crunchy vegetables that bring freshness and vibrant hues, and the sauce that perfectly ties everything together with flavorful harmony.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Adds salty umami depth, used for marinating and sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon): Helps give the chicken a light coating and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Divided to cook chicken and veggies evenly without burning.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Provides sweet crunch and vibrant red color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a bright, sunny tone and mild sweetness.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Brings a slightly bitter contrast with satisfying crispness.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Offers fresh sweetness and a nice snap in every bite.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds subtle earthiness and amazing orange contrast.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Injects aromatic warmth and bold flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brightens the dish with zesty spice.
- Low sodium chicken broth (1/3 cup): Base for the rich yet light sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the umami and adds sweet complexity.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances salty and savory with natural sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle nutty aroma for depth.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavor with a hint of acidity.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully.
How to Make Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This simple marinade not only flavors the chicken but helps create a light coating that will become beautifully golden and tender when cooked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare your vegetables—this step makes all the difference.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread the chicken out in a single layer to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s lightly browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; this keeps it juicy while you move on to the vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Now add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and shredded carrots. Stir fry these vibrant veggies for 3 to 4 minutes to keep their crisp-tender texture and maximize their color and nutrients, making this dish a true feast for the eyes and the palate.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for only 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning their delicate flavors. Meanwhile, whisk together the chicken broth, additional soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the vegetables, then return the chicken to the skillet.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Stir everything together so the glossy sauce coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly sticky. This step locks in all the delicious flavors and ensures every bite delivers that signature balance of savory, sweet, and tangy taste that makes this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe so special.
How to Serve Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your stir fry even further, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top. These simple additions bring an extra layer of texture and a subtle pop of flavor that complements the bold sauce and vibrant vegetables beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also try it with noodles like udon or rice noodles to soak up all the wonderful sauce. A light Asian cucumber salad or simple miso soup makes for a refreshing and balanced accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry in crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held delight. You could also turn it into a hearty stir fry bowl by layering with quinoa, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an exciting flavor boost. Presentation is a great way to make this dish feel special and tailor it to your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The vegetables may soften over time, but the flavors will continue to develop and taste delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep meals in advance. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for extended periods as it can make the vegetables mushy, but if short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works fine if you don’t overdo it.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp and firm tofu make excellent alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure your protein is properly cooked without overdoing it.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe can fit your dietary needs perfectly.
What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
No worries! This recipe is very flexible. You can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, like snow peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn. The key is a colorful, crunchy medley.
Is it possible to make this stir fry spicy?
Definitely! Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger to give the dish a lively kick that suits your spice preference.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
Slice the chicken breasts thinly against the grain to ensure tender bites that cook quickly and absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is such a joyful way to brighten up your meals while keeping things healthy and satisfying. Its colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and luscious sauce come together with minimal fuss but maximum impact. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights, casual dinners, or anytime you want to share a vibrant, delicious dish with loved ones. Happy cooking!
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: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, quick, and healthy Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and a colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines fresh vegetables and lean protein in a flavorful stir fry that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and shredded carrots. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the vegetables. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Prepare and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Combine and Thicken: Stir everything well to combine. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and the vegetables.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the chicken thinly for quick and even cooking.
- You can substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken if desired for variation or dietary preferences.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce to taste.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the sodium content and make it a healthier option.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce and oyster sauce used are certified gluten-free or use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives.
