This stir-fried chicken with vegetables recipe is packed with flavor and is perfect for a quick, healthy meal. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a delicious sauce makes this dish a hit at any time. Let’s dive into how to prepare this tasty dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 480g chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tsp vegetable oil, for cooking
For the Sauce Mixture:
- 2 tsp tomato ketchup
- 1½ tsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 6 tsp cold water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Season the chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the 480g of chicken breasts with salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp red chili flakes, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Marinate:
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful when cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the vegetables:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the carrot, and cut the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Mixture
- Mix the sauce ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp tomato ketchup, 1½ tsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, 6 tsp cold water, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat the oil:
- Heat 3 tsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 secondsuntil fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrot, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the chicken back:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in the sauce mixture:
- Stir the sauce mixture again to make sure the cornstarch is fully incorporated, then pour it into the skillet.
- Cook until thickened:
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot:
- Transfer the stir-fried chicken and vegetables to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a delicious meal.
Cook’s Notes
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms to the mix.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Cornstarch: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will add a bit more richness to the dish.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables in advance, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
4. What other sauces can I use?
You can experiment with other sauces like hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or additional soy sauce in place of oyster sauce for a vegetarian version.
This flavorful stir-fried chicken with vegetables is a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. Try this recipe and enjoy a delicious homemade dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare!
