Are you looking for delicious and healthy dinner ideas that won't keep you in the kitchen all night? Ground chicken is your answer! It's lean, versatile, and cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe for flavorful and healthy ground chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a fantastic example of how you can create a wholesome, homemade meal without sacrificing taste or time. Get ready to discover a new favorite in your quick dinner repertoire!
One-Pan Ground Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Healthy Meal Ready in Minutes
This vibrant and flavorful stir-fry is packed with vegetables, lean protein, and just the right amount of savory spice. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, making it a winner for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. The best part? It's all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 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 snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions:
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add snow peas: Stir in the snow peas and cook for another minute until they are bright green and tender.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of vegetables, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don't steam.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more!
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will have the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas.
- Change the protein: Substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken.
- Make it a noodle dish: Serve the stir-fry over noodles instead of rice or quinoa.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of lean protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Consult a nutrition calculator for personalized data.
This healthy and delicious ground chicken stir-fry is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy!