Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that's packed with protein? Look no further! This chicken stir-fry recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and brimming with nutritious ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people and can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions:
This easy-to-follow guide will have you enjoying a delicious and healthy meal in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
For extra tender and flavorful chicken, marinate the bite-sized pieces in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce for at least 15 minutes. This simple step elevates the taste significantly.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the ginger and continue to stir-fry for another minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the broccoli, carrots, and snow peas to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they are crisp-tender.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute, until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the wok and add the chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the wok: If you have a lot of chicken or vegetables, work in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your stir-fry will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or rice vinegar to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced and nutritious meal, rich in protein and essential nutrients. Exact nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredients used. A general approximation per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
This delicious and healthy chicken stir-fry is a perfect example of how easy it is to create quick dinner ideas and healthy meals using simple homemade cooking techniques. Enjoy!