Introduction
This delicious stir-fry recipe combines colorful vegetables and tender chicken breast, making it a perfect dish for a quick and satisfying meal. With a blend of flavors from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 10 ounces frozen stir-fry vegetables
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– ½ red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
– 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
– 2 teaspoons garlic salt
– 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– ¼ cup chicken bone broth
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings
This stir-fry is not only easy to make but also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal. The combination of chicken, colorful bell peppers, and the rich flavors from the sauces creates a delightful dish that’s ready in no time. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry over a bed of rice or your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame seed oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook Frozen Vegetables
Add the frozen stir-fry vegetables to the skillet and cook until they are thawed.
Step 3: Add Bell Peppers
Once the frozen vegetables are thawed, add the diced yellow and red bell peppers. Continue to cook until all the vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Set Vegetables Aside
Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 5: Cook Chicken
In the same skillet, add the cubed chicken, garlic salt, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the chicken, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Step 7: Add Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce and chicken bone broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 8: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Step 9: Thicken Sauce
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to help thicken the sauce.
Step 10: Final Cooking
Continue cooking for an additional minute to ensure the sauce is heated through and nicely thickened.
Step 11: Serve
Serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute different vegetables based on your preference or what you have available.
Spice Level Adjustment
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
Storage Instructions
Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Stir-frying
Stir-frying involves cooking food quickly at high heat in a small amount of oil. This technique is ideal for vegetables and meats, retaining their color, flavor, and nutrients.
Vegetable Thawing
Using frozen vegetables in stir-fry can save time. Start by heating the skillet and adding frozen veggies directly, allowing them to thaw and cook evenly before adding fresh ingredients.
Seasoning for Flavor
Adding seasonings like garlic salt, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes during the cooking process enhances the dish’s flavor. Season the chicken to infuse the meat with taste as it cooks.
Creating a Sauce
Combine soy sauce and chicken bone broth to make a savory sauce. Stir these into the dish after cooking the protein, allowing the flavors to meld.
Thickening the Sauce
Cornstarch is an effective thickening agent for sauces. Mixing it with water to create a slurry before adding it to the stir-fry will ensure a smooth, thickened sauce.
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables; just adjust the cooking time as fresh vegetables may require a bit longer to soften.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use tofu, shrimp, or beef as alternatives to chicken in this stir-fry recipe.
Is sesame seed oil necessary?
Sesame seed oil adds flavor, but you can substitute it with another oil like vegetable or canola oil if needed.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat before serving. However, for the best texture, freshly cooked stir-fry is recommended.
Conclusion
This chicken stir-fry dish is a quick and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner. The use of sesame oil and a mix of colorful bell peppers enhances the taste and presentation, while the chicken and vegetables provide a healthy and satisfying meal. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you’re left with a delicious plate that can be served over rice or noodles.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Fried Rice
Use leftover stir-fry vegetables or add extra veggies to a pan of cooked rice, season with soy sauce, and scramble in an egg for a hearty dish.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Incorporate pineapple chunks and bell peppers into the stir-fry recipe and use a sweet and sour sauce instead of soy sauce for a tangy twist.
Spicy Noodle Stir-Fry
Instead of rice, serve the stir-fry over cooked noodles and add Sriracha or chili paste for extra heat and flavor.
Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Replace chicken with cubed tofu for a vegetarian option, marinating the tofu in soy sauce for enhanced flavor before cooking.
Quinoa Stir-Fry Bowl
Substitute rice with quinoa to boost protein and fiber content, and toss in additional vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added crunch.
