Mediterranean Quick Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli, Peppers & Wild Rice

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3–4

This Mediterranean Quick Chicken Stir-Fry is a fast, colorful, and wholesome meal that blends the simplicity of stir-fry cooking with fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet glaze come together beautifully over a base of wild rice. The result is a nourishing bowl that’s balanced, high in protein, and full of texture — perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Chicken & Veggies:

500g chicken breast, diced

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 cup snap peas

2 spring onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

Stir-Fry Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option)

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp sesame oil

2 tbsp water

On the Side:

Cooked wild rice, for serving

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix diced chicken with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch until well coated.

Set aside for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables.

Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and water.

Taste and adjust — add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Stir in chopped spring onions and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and glaze the chicken and vegetables.

Serve

Spoon the stir-fry over warm wild rice.

Garnish with extra spring onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

Chicken Perfection:

For tender, juicy chicken, cut the pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if needed to get a light sear instead of steaming it.

You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs, which stay moist and flavorful even if slightly overcooked.

Veggie Texture Tips:

Stir-fry the veggies quickly over medium-high heat so they stay bright and slightly crisp.

Add firmer veggies like broccoli first, then softer ones like peppers and snap peas.

If you prefer softer vegetables, splash a tablespoon of water into the pan and cover for a minute to lightly steam them.

Wild Rice Alternatives:

Wild rice gives this dish a hearty, nutty flavor, but you can also serve it with brown rice, basmati rice, quinoa, or couscous.

For a lower-carb version, try cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed spinach.

Sauce Adjustments:

The stir-fry sauce should be balanced — salty from soy sauce, sweet from honey, and rich from oyster sauce.

If you prefer more tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar for a Mediterranean twist.

For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini at the end — it creates a rich, savory glaze that pairs beautifully with the wild rice.

Add Some Heat:

Add a pinch of chili flakes, a drizzle of hot honey, or a few drops of sriracha for mild spice.

If you like it Mediterranean-style spicy, try adding harissa paste to the sauce for warmth and depth.

Boost the Protein or Fiber:

Toss in a handful of chickpeas or edamame for extra protein and texture.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds on top for crunch and added nutrients.

Meal Prep Friendly:

This dish keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Store the stir-fry and wild rice separately to prevent sogginess.

Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture and shine to the sauce.

Vegetarian or Vegan Option:

Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a plant-based version.

Use soy sauce and hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce to keep it vegan-friendly.

Mediterranean Flavor Twists:

Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta before serving for extra flair.

Mix in fresh basil, parsley, or dill for that signature Mediterranean freshness.

Serving Upgrade:

Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or lemon juice over the finished bowl before serving — it brightens up the flavors and gives the dish a fresh, balanced finish.

Q&A

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes. If you have leftover grilled or roasted chicken, slice it and add it at the end when mixing with the sauce and vegetables. Just cook long enough to heat it through without drying it out.

Q: What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
A: You can substitute it with hoisin sauce, soy sauce mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar, or even a small amount of miso paste for umami depth.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
A: The cornstarch coating helps lock in moisture. Also, don’t overcook — once the chicken turns white and golden, remove it from the pan before stir-frying the veggies.

Q: Can I skip the honey in the sauce?
A: Yes, but honey balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a glossy finish. You can replace it with maple syrup, brown sugar, or omit it for a more savory dish.

Q: Is wild rice necessary?
A: No. It adds great texture and nutrition, but you can use brown rice, couscous, bulgur, or quinoa instead. The stir-fry works well with almost any grain base.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If you like a thicker glaze, dissolve ½ tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce near the end. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to thicken.

Nutrition

(Per Serving)

(Approximate values, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 430

Protein: 36g

Carbohydrates: 34g

Fat: 15g

Fiber: 5g

Sugar: 8g

Sodium: 780mg

Values may vary depending on the oil used, rice portion, and sauce adjustments.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Quick Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli, Peppers & Wild Rice is a wholesome, vibrant dish that’s perfect for a fast yet nourishing meal. It combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful honey-garlic glaze that ties everything together with a light Mediterranean flair. Served over hearty wild rice, it’s balanced, protein-rich, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a 30-minute dinner, this stir-fry delivers freshness, comfort, and a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite.