Delicious Pepper Chicken Stir Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and mouth-watering dinner option, look no further than pepper chicken stir fry. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with colorful bell peppers and an array of savory flavors, making it a delightful feast for the senses. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also adaptable to fit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
To make a flavorful pepper chicken stir fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 500g of boneless chicken thighs or breast, sliced into thin strips.
- Bell Peppers: 1 each of red, green, and yellow bell peppers, sliced.
- Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, sliced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Ginger: 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (optional for added richness).
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to tenderize the chicken and create a nice sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Green Onions: Chopped for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious pepper chicken stir fry:
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. This step will tenderize the chicken and help create a lovely sauce when stir-frying.
2. Heat the Pan
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow them to sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, then flip to cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through (about another 2-3 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then, toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant and crunchy.
4. Combine and Season
Return the sautéed chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle with sesame oil and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve
Once combined and heated through, remove the stir fry from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Variations
While this recipe is delectable as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Spice it Up: Add fresh chilies or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it Saucy: Increase the amount of soy sauce and add chicken broth for a saucier dish.
Conclusion
Pepper chicken stir fry is a versatile and vibrant dish that comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. With its enticing flavors and colorful presentation, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your taste buds. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with family and friends, it’s a recipe that is sure to be repeated in your kitchen. Happy cooking!