Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl
Highlighted under: Natural Recipes
I love whipping up this Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl on busy weeknights. It's such a quick and simple dish that still packs a punch when it comes to flavors and nutrition! The vibrant colors of the vegetables and tender chicken come together in a delightful harmony. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can create a nourishing meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it's completely customizable, so you can use whatever veggies you have on hand!
When I first decided to make this Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl, I wanted something nutritious that would be ready in no time. I tested multiple combinations and found that adding a touch of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame oil really elevates the flavors without overwhelming the dish. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with protein and vegetables!
One of my favorite aspects is how versatile this recipe is. On one occasion, I had some leftover broccoli and bell peppers that needed to be used up, so I tossed them in with the chicken. The result was incredibly delicious! Utilizing what’s in your fridge can make every stir fry uniquely yours!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
- Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and sauces
Ingredient Insights
The backbone of this Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl is the chicken, which provides lean protein that is essential for muscle repair and growth. Opt for leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, tofu or tempeh can be excellent substitutes that also soak up the rich flavors of the sautéed garlic and ginger.
Mixed vegetables are not just colorful; they bring a variety of nutrients to your meal, including vitamins A and C, and fiber. While broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are a great mix, feel free to personalize your stir fry with seasonal vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms for added texture. Just be mindful of cooking times—softer vegetables may require less time to avoid overcooking.
Cooking Technique Tips
When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet or wok is preheated adequately to achieve that perfect golden color. This not only enhances flavor through slight caramelization, but it also prevents the chicken from stewing in its juices. You'll know it's ready when you see a light golden brown crust developing—about five minutes should do the trick over medium heat.
Timing is crucial when adding ingredients to your stir fry. Start with the garlic and ginger; sauté them briefly before adding the mixed vegetables. This allows the aromatics to infuse the oil and coat your vegetables, making them more flavorful. Stir-frying at a high heat will encourage the vegetables to cook quickly while retaining their vibrant colors and crispness, ideally achieving that tender-crisp texture you're aiming for.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious stir fry:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your stir fry:
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and dice the cooked chicken. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Add Vegetables and Flavoring
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute. Then toss in the mixed vegetables and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Serve
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or quinoa and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Enjoy your homemade stir fry!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. You can also include other proteins like tofu or shrimp for variety.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl is perfect for meal prep! You can chop your vegetables and even cook the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy this dish, simply stir-fry the components together in a hot skillet for a quick dinner that feels fresh and home-cooked.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain that delightful texture without overcooking the veggies. Avoid microwaving, as this can lead to a soggy stir-fry. Alternatively, this dish can be frozen for up to a month; just be aware that the veggies might lose some crunch after defrosting.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
For a delightful twirl on flavors, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions right before serving. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can also brighten up the dish, giving it a zesty finish that contrasts beautifully with the savory aspects of the soy sauce and sesame oil.
This recipe can be easily scaled up for a crowd. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume without overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying. You can also serve this cloud of color atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or alongside whole-grain pita chips for some crunch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and work well in stir fries.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
→ What other proteins can I use?
In addition to chicken, you can use beef, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh.
Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl
I love whipping up this Easy Healthy Stir Fry Chicken Bowl on busy weeknights. It's such a quick and simple dish that still packs a punch when it comes to flavors and nutrition! The vibrant colors of the vegetables and tender chicken come together in a delightful harmony. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can create a nourishing meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it's completely customizable, so you can use whatever veggies you have on hand!
Created by: Aileen Prescott
Recipe Type: Natural Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How-To Steps
Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and dice the cooked chicken. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute. Then toss in the mixed vegetables and soy sauce, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or quinoa and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. You can also include other proteins like tofu or shrimp for variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g