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If you’re craving something fast, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Asian Chicken Stir Fry—better known in our kitchen as Checkered Chicken—will absolutely win you over. Think juicy chicken cubes, crisp bell peppers, and a glossy soy-garlic sauce that ties everything together in one sizzling pan. It’s a weeknight hero that looks as good as it tastes.

The secret? It’s all about balance—tender chicken, a quick toss of veggies, and that savory sauce that clings just right. The result is a stir fry that’s bold and comforting at the same time. Every cube, every color, every bite… pure harmony.

This dish has been a repeat favorite here because it checks all the boxes: quick, easy, beautiful, and ridiculously tasty. You can whip it up with what’s already in your fridge, yet it still feels special enough to serve when friends drop by.

Grab your wok (or just your favorite pan) and get ready to make a stir fry that’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Table Of Contents

Recipe At a Glance
What You’ll Need for this Asian Chicken Stir Fry
Prep & Cook
Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours
Serving Suggestions
Put Your Spin on It
Tasty Thoughts
Common Questions
Keep cooking with us

Recipe At a Glance

Kitchen Time: 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook
Feeds: 6 hungry people
Difficulty: Simple enough for weeknight cooking
Adaptability: Easily customized with different proteins or vegetables

What You’ll Need for this Asian Chicken Stir Fry

For the Protein Base:

500g (1.1 lbs) chicken breast, skinless and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
Salt to taste (be careful here, you’ll use soy sauce and that’s usually salty)
Crushed black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Colorful Vegetable Medley:

1 medium onion, diced into 1-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red bell pepper, diced into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, diced into 1-inch pieces
2 long celery sticks, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup of water

For the Savory Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, for garnish

Pro Tip: A sturdy nonstick wok makes all the difference for this recipe. It keeps the chicken perfectly golden without sticking and helps the sauce coat every bite evenly.

Prep & Cook

Step 01

Prepare Your Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the chicken becomes golden and roasty.

Step 02

Start Adding the Ingredients: Once the chicken is roasted, add the onions and stir until they begin to soften.

Add a Rainbow of Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers of all colors and celery. Sauté for about 3–5 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened but still retain their vibrant colors and some crispness.

Add a Dash of Water: To help the vegetables cook, add 1/2 cup of water. Keep stirring until the water starts to evaporate, which should take about 2 minutes over high heat.

Step 03

Perfect the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until completely smooth and free of lumps. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pan.

Step 04

Finish with Finesse: Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients, about 2–3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has a glossy appearance and clings to the ingredients.

Make Sure Salt Is OK: Taste and check the salt. Adjust to your taste if needed.

Step 05

Final Touches: When the dish is almost ready, add the sesame seeds and stir. If you’re not going to serve immediately, stop here. Add the roasted peanuts just before serving, as they tend to get mushy if added too early.

Serve with Style: Transfer your Checkered Chicken to a serving dish, showcasing the beautiful colors. Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for added flavor and a touch of deliciousness.

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

Uniform Cutting is Key: The visual appeal of Checkered Chicken comes from the consistent size of all ingredients. Take your time with knife work—aim for 1-inch cubes of chicken and vegetables for the true “checkered” effect.
Color Conservation: To maintain the vibrant colors of the bell peppers, avoid overcooking them. They should remain slightly crisp for both visual appeal and textural contrast.
Storage Strategy: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (without the peanuts; add them when heating up to serve). When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce, which tends to thicken when chilled.
Meal Prep Ahead: You can prepare all the ingredients a day in advance, storing the cut vegetables and chicken separately in the fridge. This makes the cooking process incredibly quick when you’re ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Checkered Chicken over steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that savory sauce. If you’re feeling creative, it also pairs beautifully with rice noodles or a light quinoa base.

Simple Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, golden, and the perfect mild contrast to the savory sauce.

Leek Risotto – Creamy comfort that complements the stir-fry’s bright flavors.

Easy Green Pea Soup – A light and vibrant starter to set the tone for a wholesome meal.

Crispy Roasted Poataoes Featured Img 01 — Roasted Potatoes

Leek Risotto Featured Image 01 — Leek Risotto

Easy Green Pea Soup Prep 06 — Easy Green Pea Soup

Put Your Spin on It

Vegetable Inspirations: Add green bell pepper if you like (I skip it, but you do you!).
Sauce Enhancements: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil for a warm, toasty kick.

Curious about calories or carbs? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients—not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.

Tasty Thoughts

What I love most about Asian Chicken Stir Fry is how effortlessly it delivers flavor and comfort in one bite. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but feels homey—the perfect balance of ease and elegance.

Each forkful gives you a mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and that irresistible soy-garlic glaze. It’s dinner perfection, plain and simple. Plus, it’s one of those rare recipes that even veggie-skeptical kids love.

When you make it, tag us on social—we’d love to see your colorful version of our Checkered Chicken!

Common Questions

Can I make this Asian Chicken Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes! Swap soy sauce for Tamari to keep that rich umami flavor without the gluten.

Can I prep it in advance?
Absolutely. Cook it up to a day ahead, then reheat gently with a splash of broth or water before serving.

What other proteins can I use?
Try shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. The sauce and technique work beautifully with all of them.

Keep cooking with us

Did you enjoy our Asian Chicken Stir Fry, also known as our checkered Chicken? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave us a comment, and don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes!