Dive into the world of quick and easy culinary delights with our Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry. This dish combines the tender juiciness of chicken with the crisp freshness of sugar snap peas and bell peppers, all enveloped in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that promises to awaken your taste buds. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when time is of the essence but you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful.
Not only is this stir-fry a marvel of efficiency, being table-ready in just 20 minutes, but it also offers a versatile base that can be tailored to any palate or dietary need. Whether you serve it over rice for a hearty meal or keep it low-carb with zoodles, this stir-fry adapts to your lifestyle and preferences. It’s a vibrant, healthful dish that ensures no compromise on taste, even when your schedule is packed.
Full Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breast fillets, sliced into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornflour/cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar snap peas/snow peas
- 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 bunch spring onions/scallions, chopped
- 1 small red chilli, deseeded and sliced
- Directions:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken breast slices with cornflour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sugar snap peas, yellow pepper, red pepper, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, Chinese rice vinegar, brown sugar, sweet chilli sauce, and tomato ketchup. Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the pan.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to combine everything well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in chopped spring onions and sliced red chilli.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional spring onions and optional sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Why It Stands Out:
The Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry is a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients with powerful flavors. The dish features chicken breast fillets, a lean source of protein, coated in a light dusting of cornflour, which helps to seal in the juices and gives the chicken a delightful texture once stir-fried. The vegetables—crisp sugar snap peas and colorful bell peppers—are stir-fried to perfection, maintaining their crunchy texture and fresh flavors.
Sauce That Sings:
Perhaps the real star of the show is the sauce. A robust blend of soy sauce, Chinese rice vinegar, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, and tomato ketchup creates a glossy coating that is sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. This sauce not only adds depth and complexity to the dish but also caramelizes slightly in the hot pan, clinging to every piece of chicken and vegetable for maximum flavor impact.
Nutritional Profile:
This stir-fry is as nutritious as it is delicious. Chicken provides high-quality protein which is essential for muscle repair and growth, while the assortment of vegetables adds a generous helping of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fibers which aid in digestion and overall health.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry is versatile enough to be a weeknight savior or the centerpiece at a casual dinner party. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, but for those watching their carbohydrate intake, it can be served over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for a lighter option.
Customizable to Suit All Tastes:
One of the joys of stir-fry cooking is its adaptability. Feel free to throw in your favorite vegetables, or add a crunch with some toasted nuts or seeds. If heat is your thing, ramp up the red chili or splash in some extra hot sauce. For those with dietary restrictions, the soy sauce can be swapped for a gluten-free version, or the sugar substituted with honey or another sweetener.
Cooking Tips:
- High Heat is Key: To achieve the perfect stir-fry, make sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding your ingredients. This ensures a quick sear and tender-crisp vegetables.
- Prep Ahead: Having all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking not only saves time but also makes the process smoother and ensures you don’t overcook anything while you prep.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best served fresh from the stove, as the textures and flavors are at their peak right after cooking.
A Dish That Delivers:
Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry recipe promises to deliver taste and health in one quick, easy dish. It’s a culinary journey worth taking any night of the week, guaranteed to satisfy both your palate and your schedule.
