Introduction: Stir-fried chicken with vegetables is a healthy, delicious, and quick dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean protein from chicken and loaded with colorful, nutritious vegetables, this dish is full of flavor and texture. The stir-frying method ensures that the ingredients retain their natural crunch and vitamins, making it a light yet satisfying meal. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any oil with a high smoke point)
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips. Prepare the vegetables by slicing the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Heat the pan: In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Add the sauces: Return the chicken to the pan. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and rice vinegar (if using). Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables.
Season and serve: Taste the stir-fry and adjust with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce as needed. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired.
Description:
This stir-fried chicken with vegetables combines savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, making it incredibly satisfying. The tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli, create a balanced meal that is both healthy and indulgent. The sauces blend together beautifully, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken and vegetables. Perfect for a family meal or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Tips:
Cut the chicken thinly: Thin slices of chicken cook faster and absorb the sauce better, making the dish more flavorful.
Use high heat: Stir-frying works best with high heat to ensure that the chicken and vegetables cook quickly, retaining their texture and color.
Customize the vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have at hand or what’s in season. Mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn would work wonderfully in this dish.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a dash of chili paste to the sauce to add heat if you prefer a spicier stir-fry.
Variations:
Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Marinate and pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding it to the vegetables.
With Noodles: Add cooked noodles (like egg noodles or rice noodles) to the stir-fry for a heartier meal.
Add nuts: For added texture, you can add cashews or almonds to the stir-fry at the end for a crunchy bite.
Different proteins: You can use shrimp, beef, or even pork instead of chicken for a different take on this dish.
Corrections:
If you prefer more sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or a little bit of water or chicken broth.
If the stir-fry feels too dry, add a splash of water or chicken stock while cooking the vegetables.
Enjoy:
Serve your stir-fried chicken with vegetables with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and nutritious meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and enjoy a healthy, home-cooked dinner!