Chicken And Cucumbers
A flavorful Chinese-inspired chicken and cucumber stir-fry featuring tender marinated chicken, crunchy cucumbers, garlic, and savory soy sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that balances umami and refreshing crispness, ideal for weeknights or entertaining guests craving bold Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bone the chicken, remove the skin, and chop into half-inch pieces. Clean the scallions and cut crosswise into quarter-inch pieces.
- Add the chicken and scallions to a bowl.
- Add sugar, salt, soy sauce, sherry, egg white, and cornstarch to the chicken mixture.
- Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Peel the cucumbers.
- Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt on the cucumbers and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain.
- Cut the cucumbers into half-inch cubes.
- Smash the garlic and chop into rice-sized bits.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok.
- Stir-fry the cucumbers for about 1 1/2 minutes and remove from the wok.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water to the marinated chicken and stir well.
- Heat 1/4 cup oil in the wok and cook the garlic for 15 seconds.
- Add the chicken and cook for 1 minute.
- Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and stir-fry for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Return the cucumbers to the wok and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh chicken breasts and marinate them for a full hour to enhance flavor and tenderness. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. You can substitute cucumbers with zucchini if you prefer a different texture. Adding a dash of chili oil can provide a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice or alongside fried rice for a fulfilling meal. It pairs beautifully with Poor Man'S Chow Mein for a complete Chinese recipes experience. Garnish with sesame seeds or additional scallions for added flavor and a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Cucumbers contains roughly 510 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2206mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cucumbers with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a different taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well for meal prep. Just store the chicken and cucumbers separately until ready to serve to maintain their textures. Reheat as mentioned for best results.
What can I serve with Chicken and Cucumbers?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or even egg drop soup. These options complement the flavors while adding freshness to your meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).