Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor, healthy, and super fast to make? You’ve come to the right place! This chicken stir fry is a fantastic option for any night of the week. It’s a meal that lets you use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge, making it super customizable. Plus, it tastes amazing and is good for you!
Why This Stir Fry Is a Winner
Stir-frying is a cooking method that’s loved all over the world for a reason. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it helps keep the good stuff in your food. When you stir fry, the food cooks fast over high heat. This means your vegetables stay crisp and keep most of their vitamins and minerals. It’s a much better way to cook than boiling, where nutrients can get lost in the water. Plus, you can make a stir fry with lean protein like chicken and lots of colorful vegetables, creating a really balanced and healthy meal.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty chicken stir fry. Remember, you can swap out the vegetables for whatever you like or have on hand!
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons cooking oil (like avocado oil or vegetable oil)
* 1 small onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 4 cups of mixed vegetables, chopped (broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, etc.)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
* 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step By Step Making
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chicken stir fry.
1. Prep your ingredients. This is key for stir frying! Make sure your chicken is cut into pieces, your vegetables are chopped, and your garlic and ginger are minced. Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set it aside.
2. Heat the oil. Place a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the cooking oil and let it get hot.
3. Cook the chicken. Add the chicken pieces to the hot pan. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Stir fry the aromatics and veggies. Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until it starts to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, add your chopped mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir fry them for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are tender crisp. You want them to still have a little bite to them.
5. Add the sauce. Give your prepared stir fry sauce a quick whisk to make sure the cornstarch is mixed in. Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Stir constantly as the sauce heats up and begins to thicken.
6. Combine and finish. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the glossy sauce.
7. Serve it up! Serve your delicious chicken stir fry hot, usually over steamed rice. You can also add some garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
Nutritional Value
A typical serving of chicken and vegetable stir fry can offer a good balance of nutrients. While exact values can vary based on ingredients and portion size, here’s a general idea:
* Protein: Around 48g per serving. This is great for building and repairing muscles.
* Calories: Roughly 406 calories per serving. This can be lower or higher depending on the amount of oil and sauce used. For example, a pre made frozen version might be around 190 calories per serving.
* Carbs: About 15g per serving. This mainly comes from the vegetables and any added sugars in the sauce.
Health Benefits
Eating stir fry dishes like this one comes with some great health perks.
* Rich in Nutrients: Because stir frying cooks food quickly, it helps vegetables keep more of their vitamins and minerals. This means you get more goodness from your veggies.
* Good for Digestion: Ingredients often used in stir fry, like garlic and ginger, can help support your digestive system.
* Balanced Meal: By combining lean protein like chicken with a variety of colorful vegetables, you’re creating a meal that’s satisfying and good for you. It’s a fantastic way to eat healthy without feeling deprived. You can even find similar healthy options like our Cozy One-Pot Beef Stroganoff if you’re looking for other comforting yet nutritious dinners.
* Lower in Fat: Compared to other cooking methods like deep frying, stir frying uses much less oil, making it a healthier choice.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
