Savory Chicken Stir-Fry

Savory Chicken Stir-Fry

Growing up, my family always looked forward to our weeknight dinners, and one dish that consistently made an appearance was Savory Chicken Stir-Fry. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and broccoli florets, paired with the tender chicken, made this dish not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. As a child, I used to watch in awe as my mother skillfully sliced the vegetables and tossed them in the sizzling pan. Now, as an adult, I carry on this tradition, ensuring that Savory Chicken Stir-Fry remains a staple in my home. The aroma of garlic and ginger filling the kitchen always brings back those cherished memories.

Preparing Ingredients

Whenever I start preparing Savory Chicken Stir-Fry, I first gather all the fresh ingredients. I slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the onions and bell peppers. The bright red and yellow of the peppers contrast beautifully with the green broccoli florets and orange carrots, making the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty. My kitchen counter transforms into a colorful palette, and with my trusty chef’s knife in hand, I feel ready to create a masterpiece. I always make sure to have the garlic minced and the ginger grated beforehand to ensure the cooking process goes smoothly.

Cooking the Chicken

Heating up the olive oil in my nonstick pan, I add the chicken pieces, listening to the satisfying sizzle as they hit the hot surface. Cooking them until they are no longer pink, about five to seven minutes, I then set them aside. This initial step is crucial to ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. The key to a perfect Savory Chicken Stir-Fry is balancing the textures and flavors, and starting with well-cooked chicken sets the foundation for the rest of the dish.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

With the chicken set aside, I turn my attention to the vegetables. Adding another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, I toss in the sliced onions, letting them cook until they turn translucent. The aroma of sautéing onions is one of my favorite smells in the kitchen. Next, I add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, stir-frying them for about five minutes until they are tender-crisp. This step is where the magic happens, as the vegetables release their natural flavors and meld together beautifully.

Chef’s Notes- Savory Chicken Stir-Fry

• Marinating the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with a deeper taste and tenderize the meat.
• Even Cooking: Ensure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. This will help in achieving a uniform texture and flavor throughout the dish.
• High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for stir-frying to sear the chicken and vegetables quickly, locking in their flavors and maintaining a crunchy texture.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, and having everything ready will make the cooking seamless and enjoyable.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the stir-fry before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preference, you may want to add a bit more soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
• Alternative Proteins: You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef strips for variety. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa. You can also pair it with rice noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness and a pop of color.

Savory Chicken Stir-Fry

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this quick and healthy Savory Chicken Stir-Fry! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is packed with vibrant veggies and tender chicken, all tossed in a deliciously savory sauce. It’s a simple, nutritious meal that even the pickiest eaters will love. Let’s get cooking!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Stir-Fry

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion sliced thinly

• 2 bell peppers (any color) sliced into strips

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 medium carrots julienned

• Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 3 garlic cloves minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger root grated

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

• Preparation of Ingredients – Begin by slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers. Cut the broccoli into small florets and julienne the carrots. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger root.
• Cooking the Chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Sautéing Vegetables – In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Combining Ingredients – Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce mixture (soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger) and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
• Finishing Touches – Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry if using. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Nonstick Pan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 800mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 150mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 15mg

FAQs- Savory Chicken Stir-Fry

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir-fry.

What can I use as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a sliced chili pepper, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry for added heat.

Can I prepare this stir-fry in advance?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Cook the dish just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh ginger?

If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. However, fresh ginger provides a more vibrant flavor.