Are you craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This recipe for crispy chicken with vibrant bean sprouts is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and surprisingly healthy. This quick dinner idea is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish the whole family will love. Get ready to discover one of the best recipes for a light yet satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the red bell pepper and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
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Combine and Simmer: Stir in the bean sprouts, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted but still crisp.
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Add Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the chicken browns properly and cooks evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more rice vinegar.
- Add some spice: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a noodle dish: Serve this dish over noodles instead of rice or quinoa for a different texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The combination of crispy chicken and fresh bean sprouts creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making this dish a true culinary delight. Enjoy!