Colorful and Crispy Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Vibrant Asian-Inspired Dish

Embark on a culinary journey that brings together tender chicken and a rainbow of crisp vegetables, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables

  • 500 g chicken breast, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Fresh ginger, grated
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sesame seeds

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and black pepper

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare Vegetables

  • Wash and chop bell peppers, zucchini, and carrot
  • Finely slice onion
  • Mince garlic
  • Grate fresh ginger

2. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok
  • Add chicken dice
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Cook 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through
  • Remove and set aside

3. Sauté Vegetables

  • In the same pan, add remaining sesame oil
  • Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 1 minute
  • Add carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini
  • Stir-fry 6-7 minutes, keeping vegetables crisp

4. Prepare the Sauce

  • Mix sweet soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water
  • Whisk to prevent lumps

5. Combine and Finish

  • Return chicken to the pan
  • Pour sauce over
  • Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

  • Calories: 320-350
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g

Cooking Details

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Expert Cooking Tips

  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking
  • Keep vegetables crisp for best texture
  • Adjust sauce sweetness to taste
  • Use high heat for stir-frying

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Options: Tofu, shrimp, or beef
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce
  • Spicy Variation: Add chili flakes or sriracha
  • Low-Carb: Replace honey with stevia

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time? Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for 2 days.

Q2: How do I keep vegetables crisp? High heat and quick cooking are key.

Q3: What to serve with this dish? Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice work well.

Q4: Can I use frozen vegetables? Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch.

Q5: How to reheat? Warm in a pan with a splash of water.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate: Up to 2 days in airtight container
  • Reheat: Gently in pan with water
  • Not recommended for freezing

A delightful blend of flavors and textures awaits in this colorful stir-fry!