Have you ever had one of those days where time just slips through your fingers, and before you know it, dinner is looming like some culinary specter? That’s when a quick chicken stir fry swoops in—my personal superhero of weeknight meals. It’s like a dance party in a pan, with vibrant veggies and succulent chicken all jiving together in a savory symphony.
Steps
- In a medium bowl, mix the corn starch with cold water until smooth. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, then whisk to combine and set aside.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, stirring occasionally until they are crisp-tender. Add minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables. Whisk the prepared stir fry sauce again and pour it over the chicken and vegetables, stirring gently to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and let it boil for one minute. Serve the stir fry with rice or chow mein if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1372kcal | Carbohydrates: 116g | Protein: 104g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 288mg | Sodium: 2280mg | Potassium: 2836mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 76g | Vitamin A: 12380IU | Vitamin C: 356.4mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 5.6mg
FAQ
- What is the key to making a flavorful chicken stir fry?
- The secret to a delicious chicken stir fry lies in its sauce, which combines honey for sweetness, toasted sesame oil for an Asian touch, soy sauce for flavor, and chicken broth to thin the sauce. Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
- Can I use frozen vegetables for the stir fry?
- While frozen vegetables can be convenient, using fresh vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, and peppers, enhances the dish’s flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients are recommended for the best results.
- What kind of chicken is best for stir fry?
- The recipe suggests using cubed chicken breast, but chicken thighs can also be a great alternative. Both options will work well, providing a flavorful base for the stir fry.
- How long does it take to cook this chicken stir fry?
- This chicken stir fry takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it an ideal choice for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
- Can the spice level be adjusted in the stir fry?
- Yes, the spice level can be adjusted by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Tips
- Use Fresh Vegetables: While it’s tempting to use frozen stir fry mixes for convenience, opting for fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish significantly.
- Don’t Overlook the Sauce: The sauce is crucial for a flavorful stir fry. Ensure you use all the ingredients, including honey for sweetness and toasted sesame oil for an authentic Asian taste. Be cautious with the sesame oil as it is strong and can easily overpower the dish.
- Cook Chicken in Batches: To ensure even cooking and browning, cook the chicken in batches if needed. This prevents overcrowding in the skillet and helps develop a deeper flavor in the meat.
- Add Aromatics Last: Add minced ginger and garlic towards the end of cooking the vegetables to prevent them from burning and to enhance their flavors in the final dish.
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet – Essential for stir-frying due to its shape and ability to evenly distribute heat.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing the stir fry sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Chef’s Knife – A good quality knife is essential for cutting chicken and vegetables into even pieces.
- Cutting Board – Necessary for preparing the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – For accurately measuring ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
