Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Colorful Veggies
A Quick and Tasty Dinner You’ll Love
Hey there! Looking for a dinner that’s super quick to make and packed with flavor? I’ve got just the thing for you. This chicken stir fry is one of my go to meals when I want something healthy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it super flexible.
The best part about stir fry is how fast it cooks. Everything happens in one pan, which means less cleanup. We’ll be using simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Get ready to make a dinner that’s good for you and tastes amazing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- Optional: Other veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn
- For Serving: Cooked rice or noodles
- Optional Garnish: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions
How to Make It Step By Step
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps:
- Prep the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch. Make sure every piece is coated. This helps the chicken get a nice golden brown color and keeps it tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the sesame oil. Set this aside.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the olive oil or vegetable oil. Let it get hot, but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for about 5 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the same pan. Stir fry for about 2 3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until they smell really fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Veggies: Now it’s time for the veggies! Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the pan. Stir fry for about 5 7 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender crisp, meaning they’re cooked but still have a little bite to them. If you’re using harder vegetables like carrots, add them a couple of minutes before the softer ones.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything well to coat. Cook for another 1 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken stir fry over your cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal! This dish is a fantastic alternative to something like Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Quinoa Power Bowl.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with this recipe. Keep in mind that exact values can change based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.
- Protein: Around 30 35 grams
- Calories: About 350 450 calories
- Carbs: Roughly 20 30 grams (this will vary a lot depending on if you serve it with rice or noodles and how much)
Health Benefits of This Meal
Eating a good stir fry like this offers a bunch of great health perks. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is super important for building and repairing your muscles. It also helps you feel full longer, which can be great if you’re watching your weight.
The colorful array of vegetables in this stir fry brings a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Broccoli, for example, is packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Bell peppers are full of Vitamin A and antioxidants. Fiber from the vegetables is crucial for good digestion and can help keep your heart healthy. Using soy sauce in moderation provides some minerals, but be mindful of sodium content.
Plus, stir frying itself is a healthy cooking method. It uses less oil compared to deep frying, and cooking the vegetables quickly helps them keep more of their nutrients. This meal is a well rounded option that provides energy and essential nutrients to keep you feeling your best. It’s a simple way to get a healthy, balanced dinner on the table from pezni.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by pezni for general informational purposes only.