Name: Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or GF tamari, or coconut aminos ((for W30)); 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot; 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast ((sliced thin)); 1 tbsp canola or coconut oil; 2 tsp fresh garlic ((minced)); 1 tsp fresh ginger ((grated)); 1 cup sugar snap peas; 1 cup carrots ((sliced diagonally)); Scallions ((for garnish))

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry! This dish is not only vibrant and colorful, but it’s also packed with protein and fresh vegetables. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. The combination of tender chicken breast, crunchy sugar snap peas, and sweet carrots creates a delightful texture and taste experience. The sauce, made with low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, fresh lime juice, and spices, adds a tangy kick that pulls everything together beautifully. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a wholesome meal that is sure to impress!

Shopping List

To make this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or GF tamari, or coconut aminos (for W30)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp water
1 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp canola or coconut oil
2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup sugar snap peas
1 cup carrots, sliced diagonally
Scallions, for garnish

Essential Tools for Success

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Chef’s Knife: For slicing the chicken and vegetables with precision.
Cutting Board: To keep your workspace clean and organized.
Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying and achieving that perfect sear.
Spatula: To toss everything together and ensure even cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Method: Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, fresh lime juice, water, and cornstarch. This will create a smooth sauce that thickens as it cooks.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, add the sliced chicken breast and season it with a pinch of salt. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the chicken, mix well, and let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!

Step 6: Add the Veggies

Toss in the sugar snap peas and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the remaining sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and veggies.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the stir fry from heat. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately over a bed of rice, quinoa, or simply enjoy it on its own!

Quick Replacement Ideas

If you find yourself missing an ingredient or two, don’t worry! Here are some quick replacement ideas:

For low sodium soy sauce, try using tamari for a gluten-free option.
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder works great as a thickening agent.
Substitute canola oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
In place of sugar snap peas, you can use broccoli florets or bell peppers.

Learn from These Mistakes

When making this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure a better outcome:

Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
Not slicing the chicken and vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Aim for consistent sizes for all ingredients.
Adding the sauce too early can lead to a watery dish. Wait until the chicken and vegetables are cooked through.
Skimping on the ginger and garlic can dull the flavor. These ingredients are key to a flavorful stir fry, so don’t hold back!

Shelf Life & Storage

To keep your Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry fresh, follow these storage tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can also be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Ask & Learn

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This stir fry is versatile, so feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor and texture.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! This dish is perfect for cleaning out your fridge. Add any of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.

Is this stir fry gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, this Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry can easily be made gluten-free!

What can I serve it with?

This stir fry is delicious on its own, but you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more filling meal.

The Last Word

This Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and the satisfaction of a healthy dish that comes together in a snap. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab those ingredients, heat up that skillet, and enjoy a delightful dinner that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!