High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Recipes

This dish features juicy chicken breast strips marinated in soy and sesame oil, quickly stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Served over baby spinach and cucumber, it’s drizzled in a refreshing sesame-ginger dressing and topped with crunchy nuts and fresh coriander. A light and protein-rich option packed with fresh textures and satisfying flavors ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:49:00 GMT
A colorful High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry Salad Bowl filled with fresh, crisp vegetables in a light glaze. Save to Pinterest
A colorful High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry Salad Bowl filled with fresh, crisp vegetables in a light glaze. | mellowspice.com

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad bowl combining tender stir-fried chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, especially for busy weeknights when I want something nutritious and fast. The dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 500 g (1.1 lb) skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips
  • Marinade: 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated, 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced, 2 medium carrots, julienned, 100 g (3.5 oz) sugar snap peas, trimmed, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, 4 spring onions, sliced, 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • Dressing: 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Toppings: 2 tbsp toasted cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped, 1 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, 1 tsp black sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5&7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same pan, add bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 3&4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
Step 5:
To assemble, divide baby spinach and cucumber among 4 bowls. Top with cooked chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and spring onions.
Step 6:
Drizzle with the sesame-ginger dressing. Sprinkle with nuts, coriander, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
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| mellowspice.com

Our family loves gathering around this fresh salad bowl, especially when we customize the toppings. It always sparks fun conversations at dinner.

Required Tools

Large non-stick skillet or wok, mixing bowls, chefs knife and cutting board, whisk

Allergen Information

Contains soy (soy sauce), sesame, and nuts (cashews/peanuts). For nut-free substitute with roasted chickpeas. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 36 g per serving

Tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and sesame-ginger dressing create a delicious High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry Salad Bowl. Save to Pinterest
Tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and sesame-ginger dressing create a delicious High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry Salad Bowl. | mellowspice.com

This salad bowl is perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy dinner any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic, then coat the chicken strips evenly. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, firm tofu or tempeh are excellent alternatives that absorb the marinade well and maintain the dish's balance.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp when stir-frying?

Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over medium-high heat just until tender-crisp to preserve their color and crunch.

What dressing ingredients bring out the best flavor?

A mix of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and toasted sesame seeds creates a tangy and nutty dressing that complements the ingredients perfectly.

Are there common allergens in this dish?

Yes, it contains soy, sesame, and nuts. Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free and omit nuts if needed.

High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry

Tender chicken breast tossed with colorful vegetables and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Simple Weeknight Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Asian Fusion

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details No Dairy

What You Need

Protein

01 1.1 lb skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips

Marinade

01 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
02 1 tbsp sesame oil
03 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
04 2 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
02 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 2 medium carrots, julienned
04 3.5 oz sugar snap peas, trimmed
05 3.5 oz baby spinach
06 4 spring onions, sliced
07 1 small cucumber, sliced

Dressing

01 2 tbsp rice vinegar
02 1 tbsp sesame oil
03 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
04 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
05 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
06 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Toppings

01 2 tbsp toasted cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped
02 1 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
03 1 tsp black sesame seeds (optional)

How To Make

Step 01

Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken strips with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Cook Chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 04

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds until combined.

Step 05

Assemble Bowl: Distribute baby spinach and cucumber evenly among 4 bowls. Top with cooked chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and spring onions.

Step 06

Add Dressing and Garnish: Drizzle the sesame-ginger dressing over each bowl. Sprinkle with nuts, fresh cilantro, and optional black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Large non-stick skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains soy, sesame, and nuts (cashews or peanuts).
  • Use tamari for gluten-free option.
  • Omit nuts or substitute with roasted chickpeas for nut-free version.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 36 g