Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly quick dinner? Look no further! This chicken with bok choy stir-fry recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, bursting with fresh vegetables, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 head bok choy, chopped (about 1 lb)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped bok choy to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 5: Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6: Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the wok. Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately over cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh bok choy and bell pepper will make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more soy sauce, honey, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. However, a general estimate per serving is around 350-400 calories, with a good source of lean protein and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. This is a great addition to any healthy meal plan.
This chicken with bok choy stir-fry is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a healthy and flavorful meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!