Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This chicken and snow pea stir-fry is the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it's a satisfying and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced cooks. Get ready to experience the best recipes for a light yet satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 10 oz snow peas, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade (Optional but Recommended):
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step adds extra flavor and tenderness to your chicken.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Snow Peas and Sauce:
Stir in the snow peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, remaining soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. Stir in the remaining sesame oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and snow pea stir-fry hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. This delicious dish makes a perfect healthy meal, quick dinner, or even a satisfying lunch.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken and vegetables in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to add more or less honey or soy sauce to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will result in a more vibrant and flavorful dish.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This chicken and snow pea stir-fry recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy lunch option. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover the joy of homemade cooking! It’s a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of best recipes.