Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something healthy, delicious, and ready in a flash? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Sara Moulton, is a testament to the fact that healthy and quick meals don't have to be boring. Get ready for a vibrant, flavorful chicken and veggie stir-fry that's perfect for busy weeknights – and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. This quick dinner idea is a shining example of delicious dishes made with homemade cooking. It's one of the best recipes for a healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 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. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Veggies
Add the broccoli, snow peas, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour the mixture into the wok, stirring constantly. Add the chicken broth and continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the stir-fry immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of vegetables, it’s best to cook them in batches to ensure they brown properly and don't steam.
- Prep your ingredients ahead: Chopping all your vegetables before you start cooking will make the process much faster and smoother.
- Taste and adjust: Once the sauce is in the wok, taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more soy sauce, honey, or rice vinegar depending on your preference.
Variations:
- Add protein: Feel free to add other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Change up the veggies: Use any vegetables you like! Mushrooms, zucchini, and bok choy are all great additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
This easy recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this delicious and quick dinner idea! It’s a testament to the fact that homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. This food recipe is definitely one of the best recipes out there for a quick and healthy meal. Enjoy!