Chinese-Style Chicken
A quick, flavorful Chinese-style chicken stir-fry with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or healthy lunch option.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1/4 lb. boned chicken breast, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small red pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 c. snow peas ⓘ
- 2 green onions, cut ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- brown rice, uncooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add chicken, vegetables, and garlic; stir-fry until chicken is cooked through.
- Mix cornstarch, ginger, broth, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Stir the sauce into the skillet.
- Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced meal, feel free to substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp if you want a vegetarian or seafood option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chili paste or fresh chili peppers. You can also use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. This dish pairs beautifully with Chinese Noodles With Broccoli (Low-Fat) for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also goes well with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the meal. For a complete feast, consider pairing it with Chow Fresh Cabbage for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat for even warming, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery and affect the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese-Style Chicken contains roughly 577 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2304mg per serving (100% 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 frozen chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but it's best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it from frozen, but it may take longer and require more liquid to prevent sticking.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. Alternatively, coconut aminos provide a similar flavor profile with less sodium. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference, as these alternatives may differ slightly in saltiness.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just be mindful of the cooking times; denser vegetables may require a little extra time to become tender, while leafy greens can be added towards the end of cooking.
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).