If you love vibrant, quick, and wholesome meals that brighten up your dinner table, you are going to fall head over heels for this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken and a gorgeous medley of colorful vegetables, all coated in a flavorful, glossy sauce that’s just the right balance of savory and sweet. It’s an absolute joy to cook, packed with nutrition, and the perfect recipe to impress your family or friends any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the first step to making this dish sing. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and that crave-worthy flavor we all look for in a stir fry.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a deep umami richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Creates a perfect silky coating for the chicken when marinated.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): For stir-frying with a neutral taste and high smoke point.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings sweetness and a pop of vivid red color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds cheerful brightness and a crisp bite.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Provides a satisfying crunch and vital nutrients.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Their natural sweetness and snap add freshness and texture.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Infuses subtle sweetness and a lovely orange contrast.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Boosts aroma and depth of flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
- Low sodium chicken broth (1/3 cup): Provides a savory liquid base for the sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Added again to enhance the sauce’s savory profile.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle sweet seafood flavor for richness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances with a gentle sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that’s unmistakable.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Provides a light tang to brighten the overall dish.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon) mixed with 1 tablespoon water: The secret to thickening the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing those thin slices of chicken in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This not only flavors the chicken but also gives it a wonderful velvety texture after cooking. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes while you chop your veggies. Patience here pays off with juicy, tender chicken every time.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer – crowding the pan will steam it, which we want to avoid. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a light golden-brown color and are cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This quick sear locks in flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in your colorful cast of red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and shredded carrots. Stir fry these vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes so they remain crisp tender – you want that satisfying crunch and vibrant color, not a soggy skillet. This step keeps the dish lively and fresh.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook just for 30 seconds until their irresistible fragrance fills your kitchen. These fresh aromatics elevate the dish’s flavor to a whole new level, bringing warmth and a little zing that pairs perfectly with the vegetables and chicken.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch slurry. Pour this gorgeous mixture over the stir-fried veggies and chicken in the skillet. Stir everything well to coat every morsel in the glossy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the ingredients.
How to Serve Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pop even more, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and a nutty finish. Fresh sliced green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro also add lovely color and a hint of freshness that complements the dish magnificently.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all of that delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it atop warm noodles like rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti for a different twist. A crisp side salad or simple miso soup can round out the meal beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in individual mini bowls of carved-out bell peppers or over a bed of vibrant quinoa. You can also try mason jar salads layered with stir fry components for an easy grab-and-go lunch that retains all the colors and flavors you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pop your leftover Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect ready-to-eat protein and vegetable meal for busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to plan ahead. Simply divide into portions, seal tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing but the flavors remain fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the chicken and veggies lose their texture. With a quick reheat, the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe tastes nearly as fresh as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and remain tender. Just slice them thinly as you would with the breasts to ensure quick and even cooking in your stir fry.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative or prefer to skip oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and mushroom sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?
Yes! Feel free to customize your stir fry with zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, or even water chestnuts. The more colorful, the better to keep that signature rainbow effect going strong.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and approachable in flavor, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a splash of chili garlic sauce, or fresh sliced chili peppers based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of color, texture, and flavor that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a winning recipe that I’m confident will become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch it brighten not only your plate but your whole day!
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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and healthy Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry featuring a colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots tossed with tender, marinated chicken breasts in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 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
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)
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
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 to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Stir fry 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 become crisp-tender.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare and add 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 in the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Finish cooking: Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the rainbow chicken stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Slice the chicken thinly for quick and even cooking.
- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Swap in your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn for variety.
- Ensure high heat during stir frying for a crisp tender texture.
