Easy weeknight meal idea: chicken stir fry with fluffy rice in under 30 minutes

Craving a delectable and nutritious meal that tantalizes your taste buds? Look no further than our comprehensive guide on how to make chicken stir fry with rice. This delectable dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Rice:

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 3/4 cups water

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Add the broccoli, carrots, snap peas, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken.
2. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Make the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

Combine the Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce:

1. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
2. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coated everything evenly.

Cook the Rice:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

Serve:

1. Spoon the chicken stir fry over a bed of fluffy rice.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Stir-fry over high heat to keep the vegetables crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the vegetables will steam instead of stir-frying.
• Serve the stir fry immediately for the best taste and texture.

Variations

• Add other vegetables to your stir fry, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
• Use different types of meat, such as beef, pork, or shrimp.
• Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Serve the stir fry with noodles instead of rice.

The Final Touch

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious chicken stir fry with rice. This versatile dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to create your own unique culinary masterpiece.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in my stir fry?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in your stir fry. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.

2. How do I make my stir fry sauce thicker?

To thicken your stir fry sauce, simply add more cornstarch to the mixture. Start with an extra 1/2 teaspoon and adjust as needed.

3. What is the best way to cook the chicken for my stir fry?

For the best results, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the chicken to become tender and flavorful.