Chicken stir fry with rice is a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner with friends and family. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, all cooked in a savory sauce. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering stir fry that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it is important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and white rice.
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to make this process easier. Ensure that all the pieces are roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. Next, chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, making sure to remove any seeds or tough stems.
Cooking the Rice
To start, you will need to cook the rice. Rinse the rice in cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, place it in a pot with the appropriate amount of water, following the instructions on the rice packaging. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Preparing the Stir Fry Sauce
While the rice is cooking, it’s time to prepare the stir fry sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This sauce will add a delicious savory flavor to the dish.
Cooking the Chicken
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking the chicken. Heat a large wok or a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the pan. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips.
Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes or until it is no longer pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate or in a bowl.
Stir Frying the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and then add your chopped vegetables. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they are crisp-tender. You can adjust the cooking time depending on how soft or crunchy you like your vegetables.
It’s important to continuously stir the vegetables during the cooking process to prevent them from sticking to the pan and to ensure even cooking. If you prefer softer vegetables, you can also add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan and cover it with a lid for a few minutes.
Combining the Ingredients
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Give the stir fry sauce a quick stir to incorporate any settled ingredients, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
Continue cooking the stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This will help bind all the flavors together and create a cohesive dish.
Serving the Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
Once the stir fry is ready, it’s time to serve it with the cooked rice. You can either spoon the chicken stir fry over a bed of rice or serve them side by side on a plate. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
This chicken stir fry with rice can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal, or you can pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded dinner. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, cooking a chicken stir fry with rice is a simple and delicious way to create a satisfying meal. By following these easy steps and using fresh ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful stir fry that is sure to impress your loved ones. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe is a great go-to option that is both tasty and nutritious.