Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This recipe for Chinese Chicken and Vegetables is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavour, vibrant colours, and is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This easy recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices. Get ready to enjoy this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and ensures it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and snow peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Don't overcrowd the wok; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Step 4: Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to combine. Add the cooked vegetables back to the wok and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve: Serve the Chinese Chicken and Vegetables hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will be mushy. Aim for crisp-tender.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will have the best flavour and texture.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you prefer a more tangy sauce, add more rice vinegar.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Vegetables: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Shrimp and Vegetables: Substitute shrimp for the chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly as shrimp cooks much faster.
- Tofu and Vegetables: For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu instead of chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This delicious and healthy Chinese Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on flavour. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights, and it's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!