If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, ready in a flash, and feels like a little taste of Thailand, then this Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry is exactly what you need. It’s loaded with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a savory, slightly spicy sauce that’s perfectly balanced with hints of sweet, salty, and tangy goodness. Plus, it’s all cooked up in one pan in less than 30 minutes—making it a go-to weeknight dinner when you want something healthy, satisfying, and totally delicious.
Imagine the fresh crunch of bell peppers, the crisp bite of snap peas, and the richness of chicken, all coated in a zesty, aromatic sauce. The best part? You can make this dish your own! Adjust the spice level, swap out veggies, or even add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top for some extra crunch. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Trust me, this recipe is going to be on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry
Quick and Easy
This stir fry comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of prep, you’ll be sitting down to a flavorful dish in less than 30 minutes!
Packed with Flavor
The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili flakes gives this stir fry a complex flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly spicy. It’s the kind of dish that will make your taste buds sing.
Healthy and Balanced
Loaded with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, this stir fry is packed with nutrients and fiber. Plus, the lean chicken adds protein to keep you satisfied. It’s a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Customizable
You can make this stir fry your own by swapping out vegetables or adjusting the spice to your liking. If you like it extra spicy, toss in more chili flakes. If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, throw in some mushrooms or broccoli instead. The possibilities are endless!

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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry:
- Chicken Breast: Lean, tender chicken breast is the star of this stir fry. It cooks up quickly and soaks in all those amazing flavors.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers add color and a crunchy bite to the stir fry.
- Snap Peas: These add a sweet, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a little sweetness and crunch.
- Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics are essential for that classic Thai flavor.
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, bringing in a rich, salty depth.
- Fish Sauce: A little goes a long way for that authentic Thai umami flavor.
- Lime Juice: Adds a touch of tanginess that balances the salty and sweet flavors.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness rounds out the sauce.
- Chili Flakes: For a bit of heat! You can adjust this based on your spice preference.
- Sesame Oil: For stir-frying—it adds a subtle, nutty flavor that really ties everything together.
- Fresh Cilantro: Optional, but it adds a burst of freshness and color when sprinkled on top.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Here’s how you’ll make this Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. Set it aside. Next, slice the bell peppers and carrots, and trim the snap peas. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to get all the aromatics ready.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, honey (or brown sugar), and chili flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Cook Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the stir fry over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own as a lighter meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 19g - Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 50%
Vitamin C: 90%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry
With Rice
Serve this stir fry over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing. The rice soaks up all the flavorful sauce, making each bite absolutely delicious.
With Noodles
If you prefer noodles, stir fry the chicken and veggies with cooked rice noodles for a fun twist on this dish. You can even toss in a little extra sauce for added flavor.
With a Side of Fresh Salad
Pair this stir fry with a light and refreshing Thai-inspired salad. Toss together mixed greens, cilantro, lime juice, and a little fish sauce for a bright, crisp side dish.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Spice Level
You can easily adjust the spice level of this stir fry. If you like it mild, just use a pinch of chili flakes. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or even some chopped fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies to the mix.
Make it Vegetarian
To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before stir-frying for the best texture.
Prep Ahead
Chop the vegetables and slice the chicken ahead of time to make this meal even quicker. Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and then stir-fry everything together when you’re ready.
Add Extra Veggies
Feel free to add more veggies to this stir fry. Mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli would be great additions and would soak up all that delicious sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this stir fry in advance?
A1: This stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. Then, stir-fry everything when you’re ready to cook.
Q2: Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for more texture and flavor.
Q4: Can I make this dish spicy?
A4: Yes! Increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies for more heat.
Q5: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A5: Yes, you can use shrimp, beef, or tofu for a variation of this dish. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you use.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Q7: Can I freeze this stir fry?
A7: It’s best to enjoy this stir fry fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just be aware that the texture of the veggies may change once thawed.
Q8: Can I make this stir fry in a wok?
A8: Yes! A wok is perfect for stir-frying because it heats evenly and allows for quick cooking, but a large skillet works well too.
Q9: What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?
A9: Jasmine rice is a great choice because its slightly sticky texture pairs well with stir-fries and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Q10: Can I make this dish without fish sauce?
A10: Yes! If you’re not a fan of fish sauce, you can substitute it with extra soy sauce or a dash of miso for a similar umami flavor.
Conclusion
This Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect solution when you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. It’s simple, healthy, and so full of vibrant flavors that it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try tonight and see how fast it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold Thai-inspired sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, all brought together in one fast and simple dish. With ingredients like soy sauce, lime, and a hint of honey, this stir fry is a vibrant and healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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For the Stir Fry:
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1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium carrot, julienned
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1 zucchini, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Thai Sauce:
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (adjust to your spice preference)
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1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sesame oil. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
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Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
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Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat everything evenly.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh green onions. Serve immediately, either on its own or over cooked rice or noodles.
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Notes
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You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand—snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn also work well in this stir fry.
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If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your fish sauce is gluten-free.
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For extra texture and flavor, top with chopped peanuts or cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg