High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl

Featured in: Family Comfort Meals

This vibrant dish brings together tender chicken breast strips stir-fried with crisp bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and julienned carrots. Fresh baby spinach and cucumber add refreshing contrast, while a zesty sesame-ginger dressing ties flavors together. A sprinkle of toasted nuts and coriander finishes it for a balanced, protein-rich bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Easy and quick to prepare, it suits gluten-free needs when tamari is used and offers a nourishing blend of textures and tastes.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:14:00 GMT
Sizzling high-protein chicken stir-fry salad bowl, full of colorful vegetables and a savory sesame dressing. Save
Sizzling high-protein chicken stir-fry salad bowl, full of colorful vegetables and a savory sesame dressing. | pumpkinhearth.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 quickly became a staple in my weekly meal prep because it is both flavorful and easy to customize.

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

Marinate Chicken:
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook Chicken:
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.
Stir-fry Vegetables:
In the same pan, add bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 3&4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Prepare Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
Assemble Salad:
Divide baby spinach and cucumber among 4 bowls. Top with cooked chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and spring onions.
Serve:
Drizzle with the sesame-ginger dressing. Sprinkle with nuts, coriander, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
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My family loves gathering around this colorful salad bowl especially on busy weeknights—it's always a hit!

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 options omit nuts or use roasted chickpeas. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

A flavorful high-protein chicken stir-fry salad bowl with the aroma of sesame and ginger, ready to eat. Save
A flavorful high-protein chicken stir-fry salad bowl with the aroma of sesame and ginger, ready to eat. | pumpkinhearth.com

This nutritious and delicious salad bowl is a perfect blend of savory flavors that will keep you energized all day.

Recipe Q&A

What can I use instead of chicken for a vegetarian option?

Firm tofu or tempeh can replace chicken to maintain protein content and texture while keeping the dish plant-based.

How can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?

Swap regular soy sauce for tamari, which is gluten-free, to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What is the best way to achieve crisp vegetables?

Stir-fry vegetables over medium-high heat for just a few minutes to keep them tender yet crisp and vibrant.

Can I prepare marinade ahead of time?

Yes, combining soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic a few hours before allows flavors to deepen in the chicken.

What nuts work well as toppings?

Toasted cashews or peanuts add crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the sesame and ginger notes.

High-Protein Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl

Tender chicken with stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, and fresh spinach in a bright sesame-ginger dressing.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
15 min
Time required
35 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Easy

Cuisine origin Asian Fusion

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary info No dairy

What you'll 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)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, and trimmed sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are tender yet retain crispness.

Step 04

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and toasted sesame seeds until well combined.

Step 05

Assemble Salad Bowls: Distribute baby spinach and sliced cucumber evenly among four bowls. Layer with cooked chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and sliced spring onions.

Step 06

Add Dressing and Toppings: Drizzle each bowl with the sesame-ginger dressing. Garnish with toasted nuts, fresh coriander, and optional black sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains soy, sesame, and nuts (cashews or peanuts). For nut-free option, omit nuts or substitute with roasted chickpeas.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain gluten-free status.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 340
  • Fat content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Proteins: 36 g