Emerald Chicken(China)
Emerald Chicken features tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce, ideal for those seeking a flavorful, colorful, and wholesome Chinese-inspired stir-fry.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 onion sliced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper seeded and diced
- 1/2 lb. broccoli cut into chunks ⓘ
- 2 stalks of celery sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. snow peas
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. rice wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into chunks.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and ginger to the wok and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the green pepper, broccoli chunks, sliced celery, and snow peas. Cook for a few minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice wine. Cover the wok and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 2 more minutes, then lower the heat and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the wok and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t have snow peas, sugar snap peas or even sliced green beans can be good substitutes. To save time, pre-chop your vegetables and use a pre-packaged stir-fry mix. This dish can also be made with shrimp or tofu for a variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Emerald Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Dot'S Fried Rice for a delightful contrast in textures. For an added crunch, sprinkle with sesame seeds or serve with a side of crispy egg rolls. This dish also complements a light cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emerald Chicken(China) contains roughly 360 calories, with 10g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 595mg per serving (26% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili paste when stir-frying the chicken. You can also serve with sriracha on the side for those who prefer more spice. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce alternative, try tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free choice. Both will maintain the umami flavor in this dish. Just adjust the quantity to taste, as they may have different salt levels.
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).