It’s a weeknight dinner dream come true! Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Mixed Vegetables.
Introduction
Hey there! Are you looking for a dinner that’s super tasty, good for you, and won’t take all night to make? You’ve come to the right place. This Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Mixed Vegetables is one of those meals that just hits the spot. It’s packed with flavor, colorful veggies, and lean protein. Plus, you can totally customize it with your favorite veggies. It’s a perfect example of how healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and simple. You can even link to other great recipes on sites like azeely.net to find more dinner ideas, like these Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells for a Cozy Dinner, if you’re looking for something different!
Ingredients Needed
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil like canola or avocado oil)
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
* 4 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced carrots, bell pepper strips, snow peas, mushrooms)
* For the Stir Fry Sauce:
* ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari)
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
* Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Step By Step Making
1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes while you prep your veggies. This little step makes the chicken super tender.
2. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the optional 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir it all up until the sugar dissolves, if you’re using it. Set this aside.
3. Time to cook! Heat your wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and almost cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Add the sliced onion to the same pan. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
5. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another minute until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Now, add your mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked but still have a little bite to them. If you’re using harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli, you might want to add them a minute or two before the softer ones like bell peppers or snow peas.
7. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the vegetables. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Cook for another minute or two, just to heat the chicken through.
9. Serve your delicious chicken stir fry immediately over hot cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your amazing homemade meal!
Nutritional Value
A typical serving of chicken stir fry can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. However, based on general estimates for a regular serving (around 280g), you can expect something like this:
* Calories: Approximately 186 calories
* Protein: Around 14g (Some sources suggest as high as 29g per serving depending on preparation)
* Carbohydrates: About 16g (This can range, with other sources listing around 10.6g or 11g)
* Fat: Roughly 7g
Keep in mind that the amount of oil used, the type of soy sauce, and the specific vegetables can influence these numbers.
Health Benefits
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry is more than just a tasty meal; it’s packed with goodness that your body will thank you for. Stir-frying itself is a fantastic cooking method because it uses high heat for a short time. This means the vegetables keep most of their vitamins and minerals, unlike boiling where nutrients can get lost in the water.
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is super important for building and repairing your muscles, and it helps you feel full longer. That means fewer cravings later on! The mix of colorful vegetables provides a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For example, you’ll get Vitamin C, which is good for your immune system, and plenty of fiber to help keep your digestive system happy and running smoothly. Plus, ingredients like garlic and ginger often used in stir-fries can help support your digestion. It’s a well-rounded meal that supports overall health and can even be part of a weight loss plan because it’s filling and nutrient-dense. This kind of versatile meal is great for keeping your diet interesting and ensuring you get a good range of nutrients daily, which nutritionists always recommend. It’s a simple way to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
