why make this recipe
This stir-fry is quick, healthy, and full of color. It mixes lean chicken, crisp vegetables, and nutty wild rice for a meal that fills you up. You get protein, fiber, and lots of flavor in one pan. It works for weeknights or for meal prep.
introduction
This recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. You can finish it in about 25 minutes if the rice is already cooked. The dish keeps well for lunches. If you like other chicken and rice dishes, try this Cheesy Chicken and Rice for another easy meal idea.
how to make Ultimate Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Wild Rice
Follow the steps below in order. Have all ingredients ready before you start. Cook on medium-high heat and keep stirring so nothing burns.
Ingredients :
2 chicken breasts, diced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup cooked wild rice blend, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced, 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced, 1/2 cup sugar snap peas or green beans, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional), 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp garlic, minced, 1/2 tsp ginger, grated, Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions :
Prep the ingredients: Dice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Slice bell peppers and trim the sugar snap peas.
Cook the chicken: In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté veggies: In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for 4–5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Add aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine everything: Return chicken to the pan. Add cooked wild rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm, or let cool and pack into meal prep containers.
how to serve Ultimate Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Wild Rice
Serve hot from the pan. You can add a wedge of lime or a drizzle of extra soy for more flavor. For a different meal, warm this and serve over steamed greens or a fresh salad. For more ways to serve chicken meals, see Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
how to store Ultimate Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Wild Rice
Cool the stir-fry to room temperature. Place in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
tips to make Ultimate Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Wild Rice
- Cut chicken evenly so it cooks at the same time.
- Use high heat and keep the food moving in the pan to keep veggies crisp.
- If your rice is cold, break big clumps before adding it to the pan.
- Taste and add a little more soy or sesame oil at the end if needed.
- For quick prep, use pre-cut vegetables. You can find more quick chicken recipes like Ultimate Quick and Easy Chicken Enchiladas for busy nights.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth for flavor.
- Add heat: stir in sliced chili or a splash of sriracha.
- Change the grain: try brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of wild rice blend.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Thaw them slightly or cook a bit longer so they heat through evenly.
Q: Do I need oyster sauce?
A: No. Oyster sauce adds depth, but soy sauce and sesame oil give good flavor on their own.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check oyster sauce for gluten or skip it.
Q: How do I get the rice to warm through without overcooking the veggies?
A: Add rice at the end and toss for 1–2 minutes just to heat. You can remove veggies briefly if needed, then return them after the rice warms.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It stores well and reheats cleanly in a microwave or skillet.
Conclusion
For tips on cooking perfect chicken breasts before you start, see this guide: How To Cook The Ultimate Chicken Breast – Oven, Pan, and Poached.
Ultimate Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry with Wild Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare all ingredients: Dice chicken breasts, slice bell peppers, and trim the sugar snap peas.
- In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for 4–5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the pan. Add cooked wild rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm, or let cool and pack into meal prep containers.