Stir fried vegetables with chicken

Stir fried vegetables with chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together the tender juiciness of chicken and a colorful array of vegetables. This quick and healthy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, making it a versatile choice for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of garlic, ginger, and savory sauces creates a delightful flavor profile that will impress your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time and cooking, you can have this delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this stir-fry is a nutritious option for any meal.
• Versatile Dish: Customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, making it adaptable to any season.
• One-Pan Wonder: Save on cleanup with this simple recipe that requires just one skillet or wok.
• Flavorful Sauce: The blend of oyster sauce and sesame oil provides a rich taste that elevates the entire dish.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this stir fry.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for even cooking and high heat, allowing the chicken and vegetables to stir-fry perfectly.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken without mess and ensures even distribution of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, carrots)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

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How to Make Stir fried vegetables with chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the pan. Cook them until they are browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in your mixed vegetables along with minced garlic and minced ginger. Stir-fry these ingredients for about 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.

Step 4: Combine and Stir-Fry

Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with your sautéed vegetables. Pour in the oyster sauce and sesame oil while tossing everything together to ensure an even coating. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat once everything is well combined. Transfer your delicious stir-fried vegetables with chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!

How to Serve Stir fried vegetables with chicken

Serving stir-fried vegetables with chicken is not only easy but also allows for creativity. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, enhancing its flavor and presentation.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve your stir-fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination that soaks up the sauce.

With Noodles

• Toss the stir-fried chicken and vegetables with cooked noodles for a delicious, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing twist. This low-carb option adds crunch and freshness.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance the dish by garnishing it with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to add an aromatic touch.

As Part of a Buddha Bowl

• Create a vibrant Buddha bowl by adding quinoa or brown rice alongside your stir-fry, topped with avocado slices and sesame seeds.

With a Side of Kimchi

• Pairing your stir-fry with kimchi adds a spicy, tangy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Stir fried vegetables with chicken

To achieve the best results with your stir-fried vegetables and chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to sit in soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize it and infuses flavor.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures quick cooking, which keeps the vegetables crisp and colorful.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop all your vegetables before cooking. This makes the stir-frying process smoother and faster.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
• Add Sauce at the Right Time: Adding sauce too early can make it watery—wait until everything is cooked before tossing it in.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix in seasonal or favorite veggies to customize this dish to your taste.

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Best Side Dishes for Stir fried vegetables with chicken

Pairing side dishes with stir-fried vegetables and chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice can complement your stir-fry perfectly, adding extra texture and taste.
2. Spring Rolls
   Crispy spring rolls provide a delightful crunch, making them an ideal starter or side dish.
3. Miso Soup
   A warm bowl of miso soup brings umami flavors that enhance the overall dining experience.
4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad balances out the bold flavors of the stir-fry while adding crunch.
5. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli is healthy and adds a nice green touch alongside your vibrant dish.
6. Asian Slaw
   A tangy Asian slaw offers a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor, brightening up your plate.
7. Sesame Garlic Bread
   For something different, try serving garlic bread brushed with sesame oil for an Asian twist on this classic accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stir frying can be quick and easy, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dish. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Not marinating the chicken: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavors. Always allow time for marination to enhance taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can steam rather than stir-fry your vegetables and chicken. Cook in batches to achieve that perfect sear.
• Cutting vegetables unevenly: Inconsistent sizes lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for uniform cooking.
• Using low heat: Cooking on low heat can lead to soggy vegetables and undercooked chicken. Always use medium-high heat for optimal stir-frying.
• Skipping the sauce: A good sauce adds depth and flavor. Don’t forget to add sauces like oyster sauce or sesame oil for a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover stir fried vegetables with chicken in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stir fried vegetables with chicken

• Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Stir fried vegetables with chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stir fry in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place the stir fry in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. Add the stir fry and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making stir fried vegetables with chicken:

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu, adjusting cook times as needed.

What vegetables work best for this recipe?

Bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and snap peas are great choices. Feel free to mix and match!

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make your stir fried vegetables with chicken gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Can I add more spices or flavors?

Absolutely! You can include chili flakes or additional garlic for an extra kick of flavor.

What should I serve it with?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Stir fried vegetables with chicken is not only quick but also versatile. You can customize it by using different proteins or seasonal veggies. This healthy dish is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners. Give it a try!