If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of flavors, this Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious sauce that expertly marries the tang of BBQ with the richness of soy and a hint of brown sugar sweetness, all tossed together with crisp bell peppers and fresh broccoli. This stir fry is comforting, colorful, and packed with textures that make each bite exciting and deeply satisfying. It’s a quick, approachable meal that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of any great stir fry lies in its ingredients — simple, fresh, and thoughtfully combined to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each item listed here plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken breasts that provide protein and heartiness, to the vibrant bell peppers and broccoli that offer crunch and wonderful color. The sauce ingredients are a clever blend that brings sweetness, depth, and a touch of warmth to the whole dish.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy foundation that makes this stir fry uniquely delicious.
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce perfectly and balances the savory elements.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce smooth and saucy, helping to cook everything evenly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing to give a light, healthy crisp to the chicken and veggies.
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ – 2 lbs): The tender protein star of this recipe, cut into chunks for quick cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances natural flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to brighten the dish.
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), chopped: These colorful peppers offer sweetness and crunch that elevate every forkful.
- 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli: Adds a satisfying snap and a burst of green freshness.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (yellow, white, or sweet onion): Brings a gentle sharpness that mellows beautifully when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed: Infuses the stir fry with aromatic depth.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Provides a zesty warmth that wakes up the palate.
How to Make Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl. This sauce combines smoky, sweet, and savory layers that will coat every ingredient with irresistible flavor. Setting this aside gives you time to focus on the chicken and vegetables without missing a beat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken chunks, then sprinkle salt and pepper over them to season nicely. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the pieces are golden on the outside. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate while you prepare the veggies. This method seals in those juicy flavors and sets the stage for a quick veggie sauté.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and sliced onion. Cook these for 2 minutes to soften slightly while keeping their delightful crunch. Then add in the garlic and grated ginger, stirring everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes so those aromatics can release their fragrance and flavor fully.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients. Stir well and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the vegetables to reach your preferred tenderness. This final step melds all those wonderful textures and tastes into one harmonious dish that’s ready to enjoy over rice or your favorite base.
How to Serve Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add an extra visual pop and subtle flavor boost. You can also add a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma that perfectly complements the sweet and savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa. If you want to add more veggies, a crisp cucumber salad or steamed snap peas work beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli Recipe family-style in a large colorful bowl so everyone can dig in together. You could also spoon it neatly over lettuce cups or use it as a filling for wraps, adding a fresh twist that transforms leftovers into something completely new and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stir fry keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables retain their crunch well, and the sauce deepens in flavor, making for a satisfying next-day meal that only tastes better with time.
Freezing
Although fresh stir fry is best enjoyed promptly, you can freeze leftovers by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. Keep them for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as reheating on the stove helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the tenderness of the chicken without drying out the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works great with shrimp, beef strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your protein is perfectly cooked.
What can I substitute if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
If you’re out of BBQ sauce, try mixing ketchup, a splash of apple cider vinegar, a pinch of smoked paprika, and a bit of honey or brown sugar to replicate that smoky-sweet flavor in a pinch.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I add heat?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it perfect for all taste buds. If you love some heat, toss in sliced fresh chili peppers, a dash of chili flakes, or a bit of Sriracha when making the sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well to keep every element safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?
Yes! To save time, chop all your vegetables and slice the chicken the day before. You can even mix the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it all comes together in minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli Recipe is a celebration of flavor and color that’s sure to become a household favorite. Its quick preparation and wholesome ingredients make it perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without fuss. You’ll love how easily the sauce ties everything together, transforming simple components into a dish bursting with juicy, crispy, tangy, and sweet notes. Give this one a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This quick and flavorful Chicken Stir Fry recipe combines tender chicken breast with fresh bell peppers, broccoli, onions, and a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this stir fry is a perfect weeknight dinner served over rice for a balanced, colorful meal packed with vibrant vegetables and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ – 2 lbs), cut into chunks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), chopped
- 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli
- 1 onion (yellow, white, or sweet), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Whisk together until well blended and set aside to use later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet with sides over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken chunks and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate, keeping it warm while you cook the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and sliced onion. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. Serve the chicken stir fry hot over cooked rice, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water if unavailable, but broth adds more flavor.
- Feel free to use any color bell peppers for a vibrant dish.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
