Chicken Stir Fry
Craving a quick and delicious meal? This chicken stir fry is your answer! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something flavorful without the fuss. Follow this easy recipe to enjoy a wholesome dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 30g protein, 10g fat, 9g carbohydrates, and 3g fiber.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir fry.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have chicken, feel free to use tofu or shrimp. You can also substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for added variety.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or whole wheat noodles. For a fresh touch, serve with a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Using too much sauce can make the dish soggy.
- Not cutting vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking.
- Skipping the marination step can reduce flavor.
- Not preheating the pan can lead to sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process.
- Use high heat to achieve that desirable stir-fried texture.
- Add a splash of lime juice for a refreshing zing.
- Experiment with different sauces like hoisin or teriyaki.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for stir fry?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are convenient and can be used directly in the stir fry. Just add them to the pan and cook until heated through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce when cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, chicken stir fry is ideal for meal prep! Just store it in portions and reheat when needed for a quick meal.
What’s the best way to cut chicken for stir fry?
Slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips for tender pieces that cook quickly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
Chicken stir fry is a quick, versatile, and delicious dish that can be tailored to your taste. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy this healthy meal any night of the week!
Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables bell peppers, snap peas, carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir fry.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
