Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for a vibrant and flavorful lean green meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with nutrients, low in calories, and ready in under 30 minutes – making it an ideal addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking recipe is a winner for healthy meals and best recipes you'll want to make again and again. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Building Flavor: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Adding the Greens: Add the broccoli, green beans, and snow peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Creating the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 5: Combining Everything: Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Finishing Touches: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve hot over brown rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Shrimp Stir-Fry: Replace the chicken with 1 pound of shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian option, use 1 block of firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Add the tofu to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until heated through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 10-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
This lean green meal is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that are good for you, too. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste and dietary needs, making it a great addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy!