Discover a delicious and quick way to enjoy Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes with this Sesame Ginger Chicken Breast Stir-Fry. This meal is packed with flavor and comes together fast, perfect for any weeknight. You’ll love how simple it is to create a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Breast: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture.
- Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger can be used, but fresh offers more flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil: Don’t skip this for authentic flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (without rice/noodles)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, whisk, cutting board, sharp knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set this aside. This creates your flavorful stir-fry sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are no longer pink and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite.
4. Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger with the vegetables. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step brings out the wonderful aroma of your stir-fry.
5. Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk again and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything well.
6. Serve Your Stir-Fry
Garnish your Healthy Chicken Breast Recipe with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. You now have a delicious and healthy meal ready to enjoy.
Variation Ideas:
- Add snow peas, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Top with chopped green onions for freshness and color.
- Try adding cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Sesame Ginger Chicken Breast Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I prepare this stir-fry ahead of time? You can chop the vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately. Cook the chicken and stir-fry just before serving.
- What kind of chicken breast should I use? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
- Can I make this stir-fry spicier? Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or while stir-frying the vegetables.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this a gluten-free dish.
- What if I don’t have fresh ginger? You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, though fresh offers a stronger flavor.
- What are other Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes I can try? You can explore baked chicken, grilled chicken salads, or chicken and vegetable skewers.