Ground Chicken Stir Fry With Vegetables
Highlighted under: Quick Cooking Moments
I absolutely love whipping up a quick and healthy meal, and this Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables never disappoints! The combination of lean ground chicken and vibrant veggies makes for a colorful dish that’s not only fun to prepare but also packed with flavor. I enjoy customizing this stir fry with whatever vegetables I have on hand, allowing us to savor seasonal freshness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get dieters and picky eaters excited about healthy eating without compromising on taste!
When I first tried making a stir fry at home, I was amazed at how effortless it was. Using ground chicken not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures that the meat absorbs all the flavorful sauces and spices beautifully. I learned that the key to a vibrant stir fry is high heat and quick cooking, which helps retain the veggies' crispness and color.
Over time, I've experimented with different combinations of sauces, and I found that a simple mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic yields an aromatic result. Using a good non-stick pan is also essential; it makes turning and tossing everything quick and easy without sticking. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare for busy weeknights
- Packed with colorful, crunchy vegetables
- Flavorful and adjustable to your personal taste
- A healthy alternative to takeout
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of this stir fry is lean ground chicken, which cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. It provides a great source of protein while keeping the dish light. When selecting your ground chicken, look for options with lower fat content, ideally around 85% lean. This will ensure your stir fry isn’t overly greasy, allowing the fresh vegetables to truly shine.
Mixed vegetables play a crucial role in adding both texture and color to this dish. Bell peppers provide a sweet crunch, broccoli adds a satisfying bite, and snow peas introduce a delightful snap. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus, which can also add a fresh twist to the flavor profile. Remember, the key is to cook them until they're tender-crisp, maintaining that vibrant color and crunch.
Mastering the Stir Fry Technique
The high heat of the pan is essential for a successful stir fry. Using a large skillet allows for better heat distribution and ensures that ingredients cook evenly. Preheating the pan with sesame oil not only adds flavor but also creates a non-stick surface. Look for the oil to shimmer before adding the chicken – this indicates it’s ready for sautéing.
When adding garlic and ginger, be cautious not to overcook them. Stir for only about 30 seconds until they're fragrant; if they start to brown, they can become bitter. Timing is key! After incorporating the mixed vegetables, keep stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking while allowing them to maintain their bright colors and prevent mushiness.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables or sauces!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Cook the Ground Chicken
In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds, then add the mixed vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Finish with Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious stir fry!
Pro Tips
- Customize this stir fry by adding your favorite proteins or switching the sauce for teriyaki or chili paste for an added kick.
Storage Tips and Leftovers
This stir fry is ideal for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to refresh the dish, adding a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. This also helps bring back the vibrancy of the vegetables and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
If you want to save some for later, consider freezing portions. It’s best to let the stir fry cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer, and they will thaw more easily. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn, and aim to consume frozen portions within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful serving experience, consider pairing this stir fry with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Each option has its merits—rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, while noodles can provide an extra bite. I personally love using jasmine rice for its subtle fragrance, which complements the flavors of garlic and ginger.
Garnishing the dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions can make a significant difference, both visually and in terms of flavor. The seeds add a nutty crunch, while the green onions introduce a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. A drizzle of extra soy sauce or a squeeze of lime can elevate the entire meal, making it even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?
Yes! Just add them directly to the pan; you may need to cook them a bit longer to ensure they're heated through.
→ How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.
→ What can I serve with this stir fry?
This stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a nutritious meal.
Ground Chicken Stir Fry With Vegetables
I absolutely love whipping up a quick and healthy meal, and this Ground Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables never disappoints! The combination of lean ground chicken and vibrant veggies makes for a colorful dish that’s not only fun to prepare but also packed with flavor. I enjoy customizing this stir fry with whatever vegetables I have on hand, allowing us to savor seasonal freshness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get dieters and picky eaters excited about healthy eating without compromising on taste!
Created by: Helena Wright
Recipe Type: Quick Cooking Moments
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Wash and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger.
In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds, then add the mixed vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Stir in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally over rice or noodles.
Extra Tips
- Customize this stir fry by adding your favorite proteins or switching the sauce for teriyaki or chili paste for an added kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g