Chinese Chicken and Vegetables
Preparation Time: 40 minutes (including marinating)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Dive into a delicious twist on Chinese cuisine with this savory Chicken and Vegetables recipe. While it’s not your typical takeout fare, it’s a comforting homemade dish bursting with flavors and a delightful way to enjoy a quick, wholesome meal. 🌟🍗🥦
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Vegetables of your choice (such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame oil works best)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by slicing the chicken breasts thinly. Place the sliced chicken into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add the minced garlic and soy sauce to the bag. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, allowing it to marinate longer will enhance the taste even more. 🌿🍗
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Heat the Pan: In a wok or a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high to high heat. This ensures a good sear on the chicken and helps to lock in its juices. 🥘🔥
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Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The high heat will help give the chicken a delicious, slightly crispy edge. 🍽️💫
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Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the water, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish. 🌊✨
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Add the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce and create a rich, flavorful coating for the chicken. 🔥🍲
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Add the Vegetables: Once the sauce has thickened, add your choice of vegetables to the pan. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and heated through. You want them to be crisp-tender, maintaining a slight crunch for added texture. 🥕🥦
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Serve: Serve the Chicken and Vegetables hot over a bed of steamed rice. The rice will absorb the savory sauce and make for a satisfying and complete meal. 🌾🍚
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 94.5
- Fat Content: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 34.2mg
- Sodium Content: 1117.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 1.9g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 15.6g
Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. 🍽️🌟
