Stir Fry Chicken Salad: The Easiest Weeknight Recipe

January 6, 2026

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Stir fry chicken salad is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe takes the familiar flavors of chicken salad and elevates them with the wok hei of a stir fry, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Think tender, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, all brought together in a way that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This stir fry chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a potluck gathering.

Six years ago, if you had told me I’d be sharing a stir fry chicken salad recipe on gotastyrecipes.com, I would have laughed. But life, like a good stir fry, is all about embracing unexpected flavors. This recipe is inspired by my grandmother, who always knew how to make a meal from even the simplest ingredients. It’s a celebration of resourcefulness, creativity, and the joy of sharing good food.

Why You Will Love This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

This stir fry chicken salad recipe is a winner on so many levels. First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. You can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love that?

The combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The savory chicken, the crunchy vegetables, and the creamy, tangy dressing create a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and zest.

This recipe is also endlessly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites or adjust the dressing to your liking. It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken too!

And finally, this stir fry chicken salad is a crowd pleaser. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. Trust me, everyone will ask for the recipe! Why not try it alongside some Stir Fry Chicken Soup for a complete culinary experience?

stir fry chicken salad - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

For the Chicken:

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces * 1 tablespoon soy sauce * 1 teaspoon cornstarch * 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger * 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Stir Fry:

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil * 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced * 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced * 1 cup snow peas, trimmed * 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained * 1/4 cup sliced green onions

For the Dressing:

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise * 2 tablespoons rice vinegar * 1 tablespoon soy sauce * 1 teaspoon sesame oil * 1/2 teaspoon sugar * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

* Sesame seeds * Chopped peanuts

How to Make This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly, then set aside for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and give it a delicious flavor.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the stir frying process much smoother.

3. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir fry for 5 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of stir fry. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.

4. Add the bell peppers, snow peas, and water chestnuts to the skillet with the chicken. Continue to stir fry for another 3 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some of their crunch.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper until smooth.

6. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another minute or two, until the dressing is heated through.

7. Remove the stir fry chicken salad from the heat and stir in the green onions.

8. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts, if desired. Alternatively, you can chill the stir fry chicken salad and serve it cold. This stir fry goes great alongside One Pot Chicken Salad and Stir Fry Turkey Stew 2.

How to Serve This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

This stir fry chicken salad is delicious served hot or cold.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing salad.
Pairing Ideas: Serve with rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
Topping Recommendations: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
Plating Ideas: Arrange the stir fry chicken salad on a plate and garnish with fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.

How to Store This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

Refrigeration Instructions: Store leftover stir fry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing Guidelines: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise in the dressing may separate upon thawing.
Reheating Tips: Reheat leftover stir fry chicken salad in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Shelf Life Information: Leftover stir fry chicken salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips to Make This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

Ingredient Swaps: Use any vegetables you like in this recipe. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas would all be great additions.
Success Tips: Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes will help tenderize it and give it a delicious flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the chicken. Be sure to cook it until it is just cooked through.
Pro Tips for Best Results: Don’t overcrowd the pan when stir frying. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures that the chicken browns properly and doesn’t steam. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes!

Helpful Notes for This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

Ingredient Details: Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang to the dressing. You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.
Equipment Recommendations: A large skillet or wok is ideal for stir frying. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just fine.

Variation of This stir fry chicken salad Recipe

Seasonal Twists: Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus in the spring or butternut squash in the fall.
Optional Versions: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
Creative Modifications: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.

What is stir fry chicken salad?

Stir fry chicken salad is a creative dish that combines the textures and flavors of a stir-fry with the familiar taste of chicken salad. It typically features stir-fried chicken and vegetables tossed in a flavorful dressing.

How do you make stir fry chicken salad?

To make stir fry chicken salad, stir-fry bite-sized pieces of chicken and your favorite vegetables until cooked through. Then, toss them with a dressing similar to what you’d use for traditional chicken salad, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

What vegetables go well in stir fry chicken salad?

Popular vegetable choices for stir fry chicken salad include bell peppers, celery, carrots, onions, and snow peas. Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy in stir-fries for a personalized dish.

Is stir fry chicken salad healthy?

Stir fry chicken salad can be a healthy meal option, especially if you use lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, and a light dressing. Its nutritional value depends on the ingredients you use when preparing the dish.

Conclusion

This stir fry chicken salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate simple ingredients and create memorable meals. The blend of savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. So, grab your wok and get ready to create a meal everyone will love, I hope you will give this recipe for stir fry chicken salad a try. Happy cooking!