Chicken & Veggie Stir-fry with Brown Rice
Tender strips of chicken breast and colorful crunchy vegetables tossed in a savory, lightly sweet stir-fry sauce. Served over nutty brown rice, this is a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner that feels like takeout but uses fresh home ingredients.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~35 min
Cook the brown rice.
1.Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.2.Add rinsed brown rice and a pinch of salt.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until tender.4.Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.TIPDon't lift the lid while the rice simmers — the steam cooks it perfectly. - prep · ~2 min
Prepare the stir-fry sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. In a separate small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
- prep · ~1 min
Season the chicken.
Pat the chicken strips dry and season lightly with salt. This helps achieve a good sear.
- fry · ~4 min
Stir-fry the chicken.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.2.Add the chicken strips in a single layer and let sear undisturbed for 1 minute.3.Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden and cooked through.4.Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.TIPDon't crowd the pan — if necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to get a good sear. - other · ~6 min
Stir-fry the aromatics and vegetables.
1.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok.2.Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.3.Add sliced onion and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened.4.Add broccoli florets and julienned carrots, stir-fry for 2 minutes.5.Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.TIPKeep the vegetables moving in the wok to prevent them from steaming. - mix · ~2 min
Combine chicken, sauce, and vegetables.
1.Return the chicken to the wok with the vegetables.2.Pour the soy sauce mixture over everything and toss well.3.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and add it to the wok.4.Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. - assemble · ~1 min
Assemble the dish.
Divide the cooked brown rice among bowls. Top with the chicken and veggie stir-fry.
- garnish · ~1 min
Garnish and serve immediately.
Sprinkle with chopped spring onion and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
- 2Cut all vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly in the wok.
- 3Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking — stir-frying goes fast.
- 4Use a wok or a large skillet over high heat to get that smoky 'wok hei' flavor.
- 5Add the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a glossy sauce.
- 6For leftovers, store the stir-fry and rice separately to keep the vegetables from getting soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
nutty crunchNutty crunch
Toss in a handful of roasted cashews or sliced almonds with the vegetables for added texture and healthy fats.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Use low-sodium soy sauce and omit the added salt to reduce sodium without sacrificing flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Brown rice and broccoli provide dietary fiber that supports digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast is a low-fat, high-quality protein that aids muscle repair and maintenance.
Packed with Vitamin A
Carrots and bell peppers supply beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy vision and immunity.
Antioxidant Boost
Broccoli and garlic contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce the cooking water to 1.5 cups per 1 cup of white rice and cook for about 15 minutes.



