Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner that’s also quick to make? Look no further! This chicken and ground beef stir-fry is packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. This recipe combines the best of both worlds – lean chicken breast for protein and flavorful ground beef for richness – all tossed in a vibrant, savory sauce. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Chop the chicken, onion, and bell peppers. Mince the garlic. Measure out all the sauce ingredients. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process much smoother and faster. This is key for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas.
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Brown the meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
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Cook the chicken: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
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Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine everything: Return the cooked ground beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
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Serve: Serve the chicken and ground beef stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional).
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken and beef in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables add a brighter flavor and crunch to the stir-fry.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Variations:
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or tofu.
- Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki or sweet chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This chicken and ground beef stir-fry is a simple yet satisfying recipe perfect for those seeking healthy meals and delicious dishes. It's a testament to how easy it is to create flavorful and nutritious food at home. Enjoy!