Name: Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 ounces broccoli florets (about 2 cups); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium carrot, peeled and very thinly sliced; Sliced green onions, for serving (optional); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 3 teaspoons kosher salt; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; ¼ cup brown sugar or honey; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon avocado or vegetable oil; Sesame seeds, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 68 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant, wholesome dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in no time, this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and sweet, colorful bell peppers mingle in a luscious, garlicky sauce that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal that feels fresh, lively, and incredibly satisfying—all on the dinner table in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows many small white bowls set on a white marbled surface, each holding different fresh ingredients. In the center right, there is a pile of raw chicken pieces on white paper. Around it, there are bright orange carrot slices and red bell pepper strips in white bowls. Bright green broccoli florets fill a white bowl near the center. There are also small bowls with sliced white onions, chopped ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, oil, flour, and red chili flakes. Each bowl holds just one type of ingredient, all neatly arranged for cooking preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing balance to the dish’s flavor, texture, and color. From crunchy vegetables that add freshness to the rich, flavorful sauce that coats every bite, these simple, everyday items come together to create magic in your kitchen.

Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetable water for the perfect taste throughout.
Broccoli florets: Provide a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color, plus loads of nutritional goodness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star of the dish, sliced thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
Cornstarch: Helps create a silky, thickened sauce and gives the chicken a velvety coating.
Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Adds deep umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Toasted sesame oil: Brings warm, nutty notes that elevate the stir fry to a whole new level.
Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature pungent and aromatic flair.
Freshly grated ginger: Adds zesty brightness and a hint of spice essential to stir fry.
Brown sugar or honey: Balances the saltiness with subtle sweetness for mouthwatering contrast.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Introduce a gentle heat that wakes up every bite.
Avocado or vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing while keeping the flavors clean and light.
Yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and body to the vegetable medley.
Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings color and juicy mildness to the dish.
Carrot, peeled and thinly sliced: Offers a slight crunch with natural sweetness to balance textures.
Sliced green onions (optional): Provide a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the final presentation.
Sesame seeds (optional): Add a delightful nutty crunch for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Broccoli

Start by filling a large pot with water, seasoning it with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and bringing it to a rolling boil. Toss in your broccoli florets and let them cook just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender—about 2 minutes. This technique helps maintain their vibrant color and crispness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate, keeping the boiling water ready for the chicken next.

Step 2: Prepare and Poach the Chicken

Season the thinly sliced chicken all over with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated—this will give the chicken a silky texture after cooking. Add the coated chicken pieces directly into the boiling water you reserved from blanching the broccoli. Cook for about 4 minutes until the chicken is just opaque and cooked through. Drain and set aside for the next step.

Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, brown sugar or honey, optional red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This sauce mixes savory, sweet, and spicy elements that will bring your stir fry to life with every bite.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Heat the avocado or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Add the blanched broccoli, sliced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and thinly sliced carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to develop a light golden brown edge—about 4 minutes. This step deepens their flavor and adds a slight caramelized sweetness.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the poached chicken to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Stir constantly, letting the sauce thicken and cling to every piece of chicken and vegetable, for about 2 minutes. This final step ensures the dish is richly flavored, glossy, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe

The image shows four separate square photos arranged in a grid on a white marbled surface. The top left photo has a metal pot filled with boiling water, with bright green broccoli being lifted out by a spoon held by a woman's hand. The top right photo shows a clear glass bowl with a thick dark brown sauce full of small pieces, and a spoon resting inside. The bottom left photo features a clear glass bowl containing raw chicken pieces coated in flour with a soft pink and white tone. The bottom right photo shows a metal frying pan with sliced colorful vegetables including bright green broccoli, thin orange carrot slices, long white onion strips, and red bell pepper strips being cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your plate even more inviting, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. They add a fresh crunch and nutty aroma that complements the stir fry perfectly and make every bite a delightful experience.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice to keep it light and low-carb. These sides balance the bold flavors and keep the meal satisfying and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the stir fry over warm lettuce cups for a hands-on, fresh bite that’s great for sharing. You could also toss the stir fry with cooked noodles or rice noodles to turn it into a hearty noodle bowl. Garnish creatively with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime to add a citrusy brightness that lifts the dish even higher.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and vegetables hold up nicely, and the flavors often deepen after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps keep everything moist and tender without drying out your delicious Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this chicken stir fry?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Swap broccoli and bell peppers for snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn based on what you have or prefer. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything reaches tender-crisp perfection.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness. Just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time accordingly since thighs may need a bit longer to cook through.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the dish gluten-free. Also, double-check your cornstarch and any other condiments to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

What’s the secret to keeping the vegetables crisp and vibrant?

Blanching the broccoli briefly and cooking the vegetables quickly over medium heat helps retain their color and crunch. Avoid overcooking or they will become soggy and dull-looking.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

You can slice the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The sauce can also be mixed in advance. Then, just follow the cooking steps fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a home-cooked hug. Its vibrant colors, balanced flavors, and simple techniques make it a go-to for busy weeknights or even a casual dinner with friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds and your schedule will both thank you.

Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need