Buffet-Style Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and quick stir fry combining tender chicken with crisp vegetables, inspired by the variety found in cruise ship buffets. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, medium, julienned red bell pepper, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Order on Instacart →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet with the chicken; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 medium julienned red bell pepper, and 1 thinly sliced carrot. Cook while stirring for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are bright and just tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffet-Style Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buffet-Style Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buffet-Style Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buffet-Style Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buffet-Style Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry?

Asian stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →