Turmeric-Spiced Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful, quick stir fry of tender chicken pieces infused with turmeric and fresh vegetables, finished with warm Indian spices. This indian-inspired stir fry ready in about 35 minutes pairs turmeric powder, red chili powder, garlic paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 500 g boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tbsp garlic paste, and 1 tbsp ginger paste. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until lightly browned and almost cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced onion, 1 large sliced green bell pepper, and 1 medium julienned carrot. Continue stir-frying for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce coats everything nicely.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with steamed basmati rice or flatbreads.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Turmeric-Spiced Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Turmeric-Spiced Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables?

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 turmeric powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Turmeric-Spiced Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables?

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 Turmeric-Spiced Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Turmeric-Spiced Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables?

Indian 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.

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