Quick Healthy Dinner Recipe

There's nothing quite like sitting down to a warm, nourishing meal after a long day. This Quick Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry delivers bright, fresh flavors with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a light yet flavorful sauce that comes together in no time.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when takeout just wasn't an option. Since then, it’s become my go-to solution for hectic weeknights — simple, wholesome, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Quick Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

If you're searching for a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple, you're in the right place. This stir-fry has quickly earned its place in my regular dinner rotation.

First off, it's incredibly fast. From start to finish, you can have this on the table in just about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings when time is short but you still want something homemade.

Next, it’s wonderfully healthy without sacrificing flavor. Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, it’s a well-balanced meal that feels indulgent but is actually quite light.

Another bonus: it's budget-friendly. Using pantry staples and seasonal produce keeps costs down while delivering maximum taste and nutrition.

And perhaps my favorite part — it's endlessly customizable. You can swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and even switch up the protein if you prefer shrimp, tofu, or beef.

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder this stir-fry is a staple in so many households.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, and together they create a perfectly balanced dish.

The chicken breast is the star of the protein in this recipe. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay juicy when cut into bite-sized pieces. For even more flavor and tenderness, you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer.

The fresh vegetables add vibrant color, crunch, and nutrients. I typically reach for bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory sauce, and they hold up well during the quick cooking process.

The garlic and ginger form the aromatic foundation of the stir-fry. Freshly minced garlic and ginger add a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish, making it taste like something you’d order at your favorite Asian restaurant.

The stir-fry sauce brings everything together. A combination of low-sodium soy sauce, a touch of honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil creates a light, flavorful coating that enhances each ingredient without overwhelming the palate.

Finally, you’ll need a large nonstick skillet or wok. The wide surface area allows the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly, which is key for achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture.

How To Make This Quick Healthy Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

Creating this stir-fry couldn’t be easier. Here’s exactly how I do it to ensure perfect results every time.

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces. Chop your vegetables into similarly sized chunks so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic and ginger finely — you want them to infuse the oil, not overwhelm each bite.

Next, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and ginger. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.

Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to develop a nice golden crust, then stir-fry until fully cooked through, about another 3-4 minutes depending on the size of your pieces.

Once the chicken is cooked, add your vegetables. Start with the harder vegetables like broccoli, giving them a head start, then add the softer ones like bell peppers and snap peas. Stir frequently, cooking for about 4-5 minutes, until the veggies are tender-crisp and vibrant.

While the vegetables are cooking, quickly whisk together your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Once the veggies are ready, pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly for 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated.

In less than 25 minutes, your dinner is ready — hot, fresh, and full of flavor.

Storage Options

This stir-fry stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. I like using glass meal prep containers so I can portion out individual servings easily.

For longer storage, you can also freeze the stir-fry. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. The stir-fry will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. The microwave works great — just heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can also reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes and what you have available.

For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for cubed tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture so it crisps up nicely.

If you prefer seafood, shrimp makes an excellent substitute. Since shrimp cook very quickly, you’ll only need about 2-3 minutes of cooking time before adding the vegetables.

You can easily switch up the vegetables based on seasonality or preference. Zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or baby corn are all fantastic additions. Just adjust the cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable’s firmness.

To add a bit more heat, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha with the sauce. This gives the dish a delightful spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.

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