Lite Oriental Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Lite Oriental Chicken is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce. The dish features the fresh crunch of snow peas and bamboo shoots, complemented by aromatic garlic and the umami of soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light meal with friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (6 oz.) can bamboo shoots
  • 2 c. snow peas
  • 1 c. sliced mushrooms
  • 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 2 whole chicken breasts, skinned and boned
  • 3 tsp. fat-free chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking sherry
  • 1/4 c. low sodium soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix together 1/2 cup broth, soy sauce, sherry, and cornstarch. Set aside; cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons chicken broth in a large pan or wok and brown chicken quickly. Remove from pan and keep warm.
  3. Add garlic, mushrooms, and snow peas; stir for 2 minutes until mushrooms are golden brown.
  4. Return chicken to the pan and add water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.
  5. Pour the well-mixed sauce over all and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is done and vegetables are crisp and tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, you can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. If you don't have cooking sherry, white wine or rice vinegar can work as alternatives. To enhance the dish, consider adding a teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Make sure to cut the vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking, just as you would in recipes like Moo Goo Gai Pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lite Oriental Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Stir-Fried Rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Chicken Stir-Fry, making it a great option for a family dinner or meal prep.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the chicken tough and the vegetables soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lite Oriental Chicken contains roughly 445 calories, with 28g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2182mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

445 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.2g 56% DV
Total Fat 12.6g 16% DV
Carbs 51.7g 19% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2182mg 95% DV
Potassium 428mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 76.9mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 1.2mcg 6% DV
Calcium 22.8mg 2% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Soy

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

Is there a gluten-free option for soy sauce?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as an alternative. This will keep the dish gluten-free while still providing the necessary umami flavor that soy sauce contributes to the recipe.

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).

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