When you’re craving a meal that’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and comes together in a flash, this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken with an array of colorful vegetables and a perfectly balanced sauce, this stir fry delivers on every level — texture, taste, and nutrition. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t demand hours of prep or complicated techniques, making it ideal for anyone who wants a healthy, satisfying dish without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple but essential, working together to create a dish bursting with bright colors, bold flavors, and delightful textures. You’ll find that each component plays a unique role, whether it’s the crisp veggies adding crunch or the ginger and garlic layering in warmth and aroma.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken that locks in moisture.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor essential for any stir fry.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty essence into the dish.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings vibrant color and sweet crunch.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds beautiful contrast and a mild sweetness.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers that satisfying snap with a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 cup snap peas: Keeps the dish light and crisp.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a splash of neon orange.
- 1 small red onion, sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and color depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic foundation that wakes up your senses.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Introduces a zesty warmth and slight pepperiness.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps build the sauce while keeping it light.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Provides a sweet and savory complexity that ties it all together.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances savory and tangy with a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Perfect for garnish with a toasty crunch.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild onion flavor that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Toss the Chicken
Begin by tossing the thinly sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and one tablespoon of soy sauce. This step is key because the cornstarch creates a light coating that seals in moisture, ensuring your chicken stays tender during the high-heat stir fry process. The soy sauce begins layering in flavor right away, setting the stage for a delicious dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring too much for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to brown beautifully. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. This technique gives the chicken a lovely texture with a bit of caramelization that boosts flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their lovely aromas. Next, add all the colorful veggies — the bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and red onion. Stir fry these for 4 to 6 minutes until they’re tender yet still crisp, keeping that signature freshness in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Finish Cooking
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour this mixture over the cooked veggies in the pan, return the chicken, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens slightly, coating every colorful morsel with glossy, flavorful goodness. This final step brings all elements together into a harmonious bowl of yum.
How to Serve Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top just before serving. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty burst, while the green onions contribute a fresh, mild bite that brightens the dish. Garnishing this way turns a simple stir fry into something that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up every bit of the saucy goodness. For those who prefer something different, try serving it over noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Any of these options help transform the stir fry into a satisfying, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress or simply mix things up, try serving your stir fry in vibrant lettuce cups or alongside crispy wonton chips for an Asian fusion vibe. Another fun idea is to wrap the stir fry inside warm tortillas or flatbreads for a colorful, handheld dinner. These creative presentations make the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe exciting and versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the ingredients maintain their texture well, reheated portions still taste fresh and vibrant, making this dish perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While freezing is an option, keep in mind that some vegetables may lose their crispness after thawing. If you choose to freeze, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve the best texture experience possible.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep everything moist. This method revives the crispness of the vegetables and warms the chicken evenly without overcooking. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but might sacrifice some texture.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp or firm tofu are excellent alternatives that work just as well in this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, giving you delicious variations suited to your preference or dietary needs.
Is this stir fry gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe can be completely gluten-free while still keeping all those wonderful flavors intact.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give it a personalized kick if you like things a little hotter.
Can I prep vegetables ahead of time?
Definitely! Chopping your vegetables ahead of time saves you minutes during cooking and makes the process smooth and stress-free. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with this stir fry to make it a full meal?
Serving the Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe over rice, noodles, or alongside a fresh salad rounds out the meal nicely. You can also add a simple miso soup or steamed dumplings for an extra-special dinner.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry Recipe enough for your weeknight meal rotation. It’s colorful, flavorful, and comes together so quickly you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over dinner prep. Once you make it, you’ll see how easy it is to turn everyday ingredients into a dish that delights every sense. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite stir fry!
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-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This quick and healthy Asian-inspired dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be easily customized with your choice of protein or additional heat.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (remaining)
Vegetables & Other Ingredients
- 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
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breast with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce until evenly coated. This coating helps to tenderize the chicken and create a slight crisp texture when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, to infuse the oil and add depth of flavor.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded carrots, and sliced red onion to the pan. Stir fry the vegetables for 4 to 6 minutes, tossing frequently, until they become tender-crisp, maintaining a vibrant color and crunch.
- Make the sauce and combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, nutty finish. Serve the stir fry immediately over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
- Serve over steamed rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles to complete the meal.
- For an extra spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
