Chicken Stir Fry

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? Look no further than chicken stir fry! This vibrant dish is packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a great way to use up any veggies you have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple dinner party, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 10 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1/4 of recipe) contains approximately 300 calories, 25g protein, 15g fat, and 20g carbohydrates. This is based on one serving for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Prepare all ingredients by slicing the chicken and vegetables.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade.
3. Add sliced chicken to the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stir-frying for about 30 seconds.
8. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, cooking until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix everything well.
10. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Alternative Ingredients

Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use any seasonal vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to customize your stir fry.

Serving and Pairings

Chicken stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. This dish can also be frozen, but the texture of the vegetables may change.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
• Not marinating the chicken can result in less flavor.
• Using low heat can prevent proper browning of ingredients.
• Skipping the garlic and ginger will reduce the dish’s aroma.
• Not cutting vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking.

Helpful Tips

• Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
• Use high heat to achieve that signature stir-fried taste.
• Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for variety.
• Keep your wok or skillet dry for better browning.
• Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

How can I make chicken stir fry spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the stir fry to enhance the heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing, but cook a little longer to ensure they’re heated through.

What type of chicken is best for stir fry?

Chicken breast is commonly used for its lean quality, but chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier and more flavorful result.

Is this dish healthy?

Absolutely! Chicken stir fry is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option. Just be mindful of the amount of sauce used to keep sodium levels in check.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While stir fry is best served fresh, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry just before serving for optimal texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chicken stir fry is a versatile and quick dish that can be customized to your liking. With its colorful vegetables and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Give it a try, and you might just make it a regular part of your meal rotation!

Chicken Stir Fry

A quick and delicious chicken stir fry featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, perfect for any weeknight meal.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: chicken stir fry, quick meals, healthy recipes, Asian cuisine

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 1 carrot julienned
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Prepare all ingredients by slicing the chicken and vegetables.
• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade.
• Add sliced chicken to the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stir-frying for about 30 seconds.
• Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, cooking until just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and mix everything well.
• Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g