Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Thai Chicken Rice recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish bursting with the authentic tastes of Thailand, yet incredibly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that the whole family will adore! This easy recipe is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine rice is recommended)
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
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Stir-fry the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of your dish.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break up any larger pieces to promote even cooking.
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Add the Vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
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Combine & Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat everything evenly.
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Serve: Serve the delicious Thai Chicken Rice hot over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of freshness and color.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Thai Chicken Rice:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure it browns properly and cooks evenly.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder dish, use less; for extra heat, add more!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different twist on this delicious recipe.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy Thai Chicken Rice recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying food can also be quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy!