Chinese Chicken with Stir Fry Vegetables

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This Chinese Chicken with Stir-Fry Vegetables recipe is an easy and addictive homemade alternative to take out! It’s bursting with robust flavors, so simple to prepare and ready in ready in 25 minutes! This stir fry vegetables and Chinese chicken dish is totally customizable, so you can use substitute the chicken for pork, beef or tofu and use your favorite veggies!

Update: This post was originally published in September 2018. I made updates to the post below to include more information about Spicy Chicken Stir-fry. Plus, I added a recipe video to show you how quick and easy this stir fry vegetables and chicken recipe is to make!

Now that the Labor Day holiday is behind us and everyone on social media is showcasing themselves drinking Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes, I can literally feel summer swiftly coming to an end.

While there are still nine glorious days left of the official summer season, I’m going to slowly start transitioning from lighter, fruit filled and produce packed dishes to more substantial, heartier meals. But, don’t worry, they will still be mostly healthy and tons of nutrient dense produce will still be present. Because, while swimsuit season may be on its way out, skinny jeans season is on its way in.

About this Chinese chicken stir fry recipe

This spicy chicken stir fry is full of flavor, texture and spicy goodness!!

Tender, bite sized pieces of chicken breast, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs and oodles of noodles tossed and glistening is a savory, spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness.

Aside from the depth of delicious sweet and spicy flavor, this chilli chicken recipe is an absolute breeze to make! This complete meal – with protein, veggies, carbs and sauce – can be prepped, ready and on the table in 30 minutes or less!

Essentially, this Chinese chicken and noodles stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknight meals and will promptly satisfy your Chinese chicken takeout craving!

If you love quick and easy stir fries, check out these recipes next: beef with orange sauce, shrimp zucchini noodles, stir fry beef with mushroom, and udon stir fry.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy to find, fresh ingredients! This recipe uses simple ingredients as well as a few pantry staples to create an addictively delicious stir fry! You can find all the Asian ingredients in the ethnic aisle of major grocery stores!
• Marinade doubles as a sauce! Simply whisk together one sauce and watch it pull double duty!
• Simple and fast to make! This chicken with vegetables stir fry is ridiculously quick and easy to make! You can have this dish ready and on the table in approximately 25 minutes or less!
• Amazing flavor! This dish bursting with delicious flavor – it’s savory, slightly spicy, a little sweet and 100% delicious!
• Customizable! You can easily get creative with this easy stir fry recipe! Try using your favorite protein and throw in your favorite vegetables! Stir-fry is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have hanging out in your refrigerator crisper drawer!

Ingredients for Chinese chicken stir-fry

This Chinese chicken and vegetable dish is made with simple-to-find ingredients and bursting with both flavor and texture! The ingredient list is completely flexible!  Please, feel free to customize your stir-fry by substituting your favorite vegetables or adding whatever tasty mix-ins your family loves!

• Chicken: You need 10 ounces of cooked chicken for this quick stir-fry. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie or packaged pre-cooked chicken! If you aren’t a fan of chicken, you can substitute any of the following (just make sure you pre-cook them): ground meats (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken), tofu, shrimp or even salmon!
• Noodles: You can use any noodle you love in this recipe. I typically use wide rice noodles; however, soda or udon noodles are great too!
• Oil: I recommend using an oil with a neutral flavor and high smoke point for stir-frying. Vegetable and canola oil are great options. Peanut oil also works well; however, it has a slightly nutty flavor.
• Aromatics: All the usual suspects used in Chinese stir fries – garlic, fresh ginger and scallions – provide fragrance and umami!
• Vegetables: I like to use a combination of red bell peppers, carrots and snow peas in my chicken and noodle stir fry. However, you can substitute any of your favorite vegetables! (See below for vegetables you can use in a stir-fry!)
• Sauce: A combination simple Asian ingredients produces a stir-fry sauce that doubles as a marinade! You can easily adjust the ingredients and the level of heat to your personal preference. (See below for a complete description of the stir-fry sauce!)

Stir fry sauce

The sauce is one of the major components of a stir-fry – it’s what gives the dish so much flavor. The sauce for this stir-fry is the perfect mix of savory, spicy and slightly sweet with plenty of umami flavor. And, bonus points, this stir-fry sauce also doubles as a marinade for the chicken!

• Chili Garlic Sauce: Chili garlic sauce is a popular Asian condiment made with chilis and a generous amount of garlic. The taste is hot and tangy with a kick fragrant garlic. You can find chili garlic sauce in the ethnic aisle of major grocery stores; however, if for some reason you can’t find it you can either make your own or you can substitute sriracha if you are in a pinch (note – the flavor will be different!).
• Honey: A touch of honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness as well as a touch of floral flavor!
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor! I recommend using reduced-sodium soy sauce so you can control the level of saltiness in your sauce!
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes. Vinegar balances out the sauce while providing a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. I recommend using unseasoned rice vinegar in this sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a must for stir-fry sauces! It adds a deeply earthy, nutty and deliciously rich flavor. I recommend using toasted oil for the most flavor.
• Corn Starch: Cornstarch (mixed with a bit of water) is what thickens up the sauce so it beautifully coats the chicken, vegetables and noodles!

How to make spicy chicken stir fry

This chicken with stir fry vegetables is quick and easy to make! This dish can be prepared, ready and on the table in 30 minutes or less!

1. Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl whisk together the sauce and season it with a pinch of salt. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Meanwhile, cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions, minus 1-2 minutes – the noodles should still be chewy as they will continue to cook in the next steps. Drain the noodles, rinse with cool water and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of Sesame Oil. Toss and set the noodles aside.
3. Stir-fry aromatics + vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet, or wok, over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and white bottoms of the scallions. Stir-fry, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds. Add the red bell pepper, carrots and snow peas. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft and slightly charred, 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the noodles, chicken and sauce: Add the noodles to the pan and stir-fry, tossing continuously, for 1 minute. Add in the chicken with sauce, along with the cornstarch and water mixture. Toss everything well to combine. Cook 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens up.
5. Garnish and serve: Transfer noodles to a platter and garnish with green tops of scallions, sesame seeds and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime over top. Serve immediately and Enjoy!

Expert tips for the best success!

1. Mise en place: Before you start stir-frying, make sure you gather and prep all your ingredients! Stir-frying is a fast process, so it’s important you have everything ready to go!
2. Chicken: To keep things super quick and easy, the recipe for this spicy stir-fry uses cooked chicken. Any type of cooked chicken can be used (rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled or poached chicken breasts or thighs). However, make sure the skin from the chicken is removed first and you shred or roughly chop the chicken.
3. Noodles: You can use any type of noodles you would like for this recipe, just make sure you cook them according to the package directions MINUS a minute or two as the noodles will continue to cook further along in the recipe. You want your noodles to still be chewy!! If there are stir-fry instructions on your bag of noodles, suggesting to soak the noodles in hot water, follow those!
4. Pan: A wok is the traditional pan for stir-frying; however, you can use a skillet – just make sure it’s large with high sides! Never use a small pan for stir-frying or you will end up over-crowding the pan which will steam everything versus fry it!
5. Garnishes: Fresh herbs and a squeeze of fresh lime bring all the flavors in your stir-fry to life!! I’ve listed fresh cilantro as an optional garnish and I highly suggest you don’t skip it; however, I know some people are cilantro averse. If you loath cilantro, make sure you add some sort of fresh herb – I recommend Thai basil or regular basil! And don’t forget a generous squeeze of fresh lime!

Step by step photos: making this recipe at home

(Don’t forget to scroll down for the detailed instructions in the complete printable recipe at the bottom of the page.)

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What vegetables can I add to Chinese chicken stir-fry?

This stir-fry vegetables and chicken recipe is incredibly flexible! There are a myriad of vegetables you can add or substitute, so please don’t feel limited by the recipe ingredients! I recommend you use this recipe as a guide. Try substituting whatever vegetable you have lying around or mixing and matching your family’s favorites from the list below!

• Bell Peppers: Bell peppers are my go-to for stir-fries and they’re included in this recipe. I prefer red bell peppers for their savory sweetness; however sweet mini peppers are delicious as well!
• Carrots: Carrots add a scrumptious sweet crunch to your stir-fry! Make sure you shred or finely chop them for the best results.
• Snow Peas: Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, are a classic addition to stir-fries and provide a slightly sweet, fresh taste!
• Baby Corn on the Cob: Sweet baby corn is very mild in flavor compared to mature corn on the cob. However, it does offer color and visual appeal to stir-fries!
• Broccoli: Crunchy broccoli is another go-to as it’s always easy to find fresh at the store!
• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are a great way to bring an extra earthy, umami flavor to your noodles!
• Asparagus: Tender, crisp asparagus is a wonderful addition if you can find it fresh and in season!
• Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage is a delicious addition, just make sure to add it towards the end as it’s incredibly quick cooking!
• Edamame: Edamame beans are a fun way to add a slightly sweet and salty flavor to your dish!
• Water Chestnuts: A can of water chestnuts is a quick and easy addition that requires no prep!
• Other – Sesame Seeds and Nuts: Toasted sesame seeds and salty, crunchy nuts (cashews and peanuts) are a pretty finishing touch and a great way to add a mild nutty flavor!

Expert-tip: Make sure you cut your vegetables into uniform sizes so everything cooks evenly and your stir-fry is easier to eat!

Serving stir fry vegetables and chicken

Looking for an easy side dish to serve with your spicy chicken stir-fry? Below are a few savory Asian side dish options to round out your meal!

• Soup: Your favorite Asian soup, such as Egg Drop, Miso or Wonton, is a delicious lighter side option!
• Avocado Salad: Creamy, fresh avocado salad is the perfect cooling side dish to pair with a spicy stir-fry!
• Edamame: A big bowl of steamy, salty edamame might be my favorite pairing!
• Fresh fruit: Macerate fresh oranges, pineapple and cherries for a delicious dish that doubles as a side and a dessert!
• Spring Rolls: Crispy egg rolls are a delicious way to add a bit of crunch!
• Summer Rolls: If you are looking for a healthier version of egg rolls, try Summer Rolls!
• Dumplings: Plump, soft dumplings are a dreamy addition to any meal!
• Chicken Wings: If you are a chicken lover, these Chinese Wings are a must!!
• Chinese Broccoli: If you don’t want to add more vegetables to your actual stir-fry, try serving them on the side! Chinese broccoli is delicious!
• Stir-fried Green Beans: Green beans are another winner-winner!
• Cabbage Stir-fry: Aromatic Stir Fried Cabbage and Carrots pairs beautifully with the spicy, savory flavors in this stir-fry!
• Brussels Sprouts: Tender, crisp Asian Brussels Sprouts in a peanut sauce is always a crowd pleaser!

Storing leftovers

Leftover Chinese chicken stir-fry is perfect to have on hand for grab-and-go lunches or quick heat-and-eat dinners!

To store leftovers, first your stir-fry to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezing instructions

I do not recommend freezing leftover stir-fry as the fresh vegetables and noodles become quite soft and unappetizing upon thawing.

Packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to prepare, this Chinese Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is addictively good! Skip the take out, and satisfy your sticky Asian chicken craving with this delicious homemade alternative!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to adding a little spice to your life!

Cheyanne

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Recipe testimonials

Here’s what readers are saying about this quick and easy chicken and vegetable stir-fry!

• “Delicious!! Even my picky eaters ate. Next time I might dial back the heat a bit, but it was so tasty we just kept eating!” -Tonja
• “Really tasty! I just added all the veg at the same time after quickly frying the garlic and ginger. And, [I] fried some really thinly sliced chicken breast in sesame oil rather than using pre-cooked chicken.” -Allison

More chicken stir fries!

• Broccoli Rice with Chicken
• Stir Fry with Ground Chicken
• Chinese Pepper Chicken
• Chicken and Apricot Stir Fry
• Stir Fry Honey Garlic Chicken

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