Are you looking for quick dinner ideas that won't compromise your health goals? This chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for anyone striving for a balanced and delicious diet. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a healthy meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to enjoy a dish that's as good for your body as it is for your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
- Stir-fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, bell peppers, and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and snow peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken stir-fry hot over cooked brown rice or quinoa.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Prep your ingredients: Having all your vegetables chopped and measured before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and faster.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal option. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) would be approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this delicious and healthy chicken stir-fry as part of your healthy eating journey. It's a great example of how delicious and nutritious food can be a part of a balanced lifestyle. Remember to adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs for the best results.