Craving a delicious, healthy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This chicken and snow pea stir-fry is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner solution, combining tender chicken with vibrant snow peas and a savory sauce. This recipe is a celebration of homemade cooking, showcasing simple ingredients transformed into a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Get ready to elevate your quick dinner ideas!
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
- 1 cup 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
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
For extra tender and flavorful chicken, marinate the bite-sized pieces in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp ginger for at least 15 minutes. This simple step significantly enhances the overall taste.
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 and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, remaining soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil, and ginger. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the snow peas are tender-crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the chicken and snow pea stir-fry immediately over rice or quinoa for a complete and healthy meal. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to this stir-fry.
- Protein swap: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different protein option.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Make it ahead: This stir-fry can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight!
- Customize your sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This chicken and snow pea stir-fry is a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!