How to Make a Flavorful Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry

Chicken and rice stir-fry is a favorite among many due to its versatility and ease of preparation. This dish can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making it perfect for busy mornings or relaxing dinners. It’s also adaptable enough that you can add your own special ingredients as needed. In this article, we will show you how to prepare a delicious chicken and rice stir-fry in just 30 minutes with simple steps.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups of uncooked jasmine rice
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
• Salt to taste
• Cooking spray or oil for stir-frying

Preparation Steps

To start with your stir-fry, prepare the rice by rinsing it under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, place the rice in a medium-sized saucepan and add enough water to cover it by about 1 inch (2.5cm). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat before reducing to low and covering with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for approximately 18 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.

While waiting for your rice, prepare the vegetables and chicken. Slice up the bell peppers, finely chop the onions, and julienne the carrots according to preference. Once done, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and salt together in a small bowl as a marinade for the chicken pieces.

Heat up some cooking spray or vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until no longer pink inside (about 5 minutes). Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, setting aside while preparing other ingredients further.

Reduce heat under your previously prepared rice pot if necessary but keep it simmering. Add more oil or spray as needed into the same pan used for chicken cooking and sauté garlic until fragrant but not burned. Next, add carrots followed by bell peppers; cook briefly until they just start becoming tender (about 2 minutes).

Afterward, return the chicken back to the pot together with chopped onions and continue stirring everything along with the previously prepared marinade mixture. Continue cooking for another few minutes or so until all components are heated through.

Transfer contents of your wok onto plates lined up nicely on a serving tray. Serve immediately alongside steaming hot cooked jasmine rice, garnished as desired (optional).

Tips & Variations

1. If preferred, you can substitute chicken with other protein sources such as shrimp or tofu.
2. For extra flavor, consider adding sliced green beans or corn kernels towards the end of cooking time.
3. To make this dish more nutritious, opt for whole grain jasmine rice instead of white.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The nutritional content can vary depending on individual preferences and specific brands used. However, generally speaking:

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
• Total Fat: About 15g
• Saturated Fat: Around 3g
• Cholesterol: Roughly 70mg
• Sodium: About 800mg
• Total Carbohydrate: Nearly 65g including fiber of about 4g
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 4g
• Protein: Around 25g

In conclusion, chicken and rice stir-fry is a satisfying meal packed with nutrients suitable for various occasions. With minimal preparation effort required, this dish allows creativity in customizing based on personal tastes and dietary needs while providing excellent value for your time investment.