Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Chicken and veggie stir fry is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a meal for one, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful stir fry!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, etc.)
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
Seasonings and Sauces
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
Additional Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
– Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)
Gathering these ingredients is the first step. The chicken gives the dish protein. The mixed vegetables add color and crunch. The carrot brings a nice sweetness. Together, they make a great base for your stir fry.
Next, the seasonings and sauces play a big role in the flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Sesame oil adds a warm, nutty taste. Garlic and ginger bring a fresh, zesty element. These ingredients make your stir fry truly pop.
Lastly, the additional ingredients help thicken the sauce and add a nice finish. Cornstarch binds everything together, while chicken broth adds richness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! For a lovely garnish, use green onions. Serve your stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can find the full recipe to guide you through cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
– Marinate chicken with soy sauce and pepper
– Set aside for 15 minutes
First, you need to prepare the chicken. Take your thinly sliced chicken breasts and place them in a medium bowl. Add one tablespoon of soy sauce and a sprinkle of pepper. Mix it well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step adds flavor to the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
– Heat sesame oil in skillet
– Stir-fry chicken until golden brown
Next, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and cook through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside.
Adding Aromatics and Vegetables
– Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant
– Add mixed vegetables and cook until crisp-tender
In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves and one inch of grated ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You will smell a lovely aroma. Then, add your two cups of mixed vegetables and one julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes. Cook until the veggies are crisp-tender.
Creating the Sauce
– Whisk cornstarch and chicken broth
– Pour sauce into skillet and mix
Now it is time to make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk one tablespoon of cornstarch with half a cup of chicken broth. Mix until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the vegetables in the sauce. This will bind all the flavors together.
Combining Ingredients
– Return chicken to skillet and mix
– Adjust seasoning and serve over rice or noodles
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well mixed. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken and veggies. Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped green onions.
For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Stir Fry
– Use high heat for a quick cook. High heat helps the chicken and veggies cook fast. This keeps them crisp and full of flavor.
– Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking. Even cuts mean all pieces cook at the same rate. This helps avoid mushy spots in your dish.
Flavor Enhancements
– Experiment with different sauces. Try teriyaki, hoisin, or even peanut sauce. Each sauce adds its own taste twist to the stir fry.
– Add spicy elements. Red pepper flakes or sriracha can give your dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair with jasmine rice or rice noodles. Both options soak up the sauce well and make the meal more filling.
– Garnish with sesame seeds. This adds extra crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Variations
Chicken Alternatives
You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet touch. Beef brings a hearty flavor and pairs well with stir fry sauces. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. It soaks up flavors well, making it very tasty.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables for fresh bites. Zucchini and asparagus are great choices in the summer. Frozen vegetables are also a smart option. They save time and still taste good in stir fry. Just add them straight from the freezer, and cook a little longer.
Increase Nutritional Value
Adding leafy greens boosts nutrients. Spinach or kale works well; they soften quickly in the heat. Nuts can also add healthy fats and a nice crunch. Try cashews or peanuts for extra flavor and texture. These small changes make your meal even better. For the full recipe, check out the section above.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
Store your stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and safe. Enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality. If you wait too long, the food may lose its flavor and texture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the stir fry in portions for later use. This is a great way to save time. Make sure to place it in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps it maintain its taste and texture.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat your stir fry on the stovetop. This method keeps the food crispy. Add a splash of water or broth while reheating. This step prevents the stir fry from drying out and keeps it juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately until ready to cook. This makes meal prep easy.
What vegetables can I use for a stir fry?
Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and zucchini. You can mix and match based on what you like.
How do I thicken the stir fry sauce?
Adding cornstarch mixed with liquid will help achieve a thicker sauce. You can find this step in the Full Recipe.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet. Always check labels to ensure safety.
How to make Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry meal prep-friendly?
Prepare and portion the stir fry in advance for quick meals throughout the week. This saves time and helps with healthy eating.
You can easily make a delicious Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry with just a few steps. Start by marinating the chicken, then stir-fry it with fresh vegetables and aromatics. Remember to use high heat for that perfect texture. Feel free to swap out ingredients to match your tastes and needs. Store leftovers properly for quick meals later. This recipe is both easy and versatile, making it great for any night. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and create a dish everyone will love!
