Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Tender, velvety chicken and crisp vegetables are tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This classic Chinese-American stir-fry is a perfect one-pan weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the ingredients and sauce.
- Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Chop the broccoli, slice the bell peppers and mushrooms, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil to make the sauce.
TIPPrepping everything before you start cooking is the key to a successful stir-fry.Cook the cauliflower rice.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the riced cauliflower and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside, dividing it among four serving bowls.
Cook the chicken.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it sears rather than steams.Stir-fry the vegetables.
- Add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
Combine everything with the sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly thicken.
Serve the stir-fry.
Spoon the chicken and vegetable stir-fry over the cauliflower rice in each bowl. Garnish generously with sliced scallions and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, have all your ingredients chopped and ready ('mise en place') before you start cooking, as stir-frying is very fast.
- 2Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve a proper sear and prevent steaming.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks evenly and gets a nice color.
- 4The simple cornstarch marinade for the chicken is a technique called 'velveting', which keeps the meat incredibly tender and moist.
- 5Feel free to blanch the broccoli for 1 minute in boiling water before stir-frying to ensure it's perfectly cooked yet still crisp.
- 6For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute dry sherry for the Shaoxing wine to make this dish gluten-free.
spicySpicy
Add 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a few dried red chilies along with the garlic and ginger for a spicy kick.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the chicken with 1 block (14 oz) of cubed firm tofu or 1 pound of mixed mushrooms like shiitake and cremini.
low carbLow carb
Omit the honey and serve the stir-fry with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair, without a high fat content.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of vegetables like broccoli and carrots offers a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and beta-carotene, supporting immune function and vision.
Rich in Fiber
Broccoli, carrots, and onions contribute dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Quick and Balanced Meal
This one-pan dish provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a perfect, time-efficient meal for a busy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. It's packed with lean protein from chicken and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps manage sodium intake.
