Oriental Chicken And Peppers
Oriental Chicken and Peppers offers a vibrant medley of tender chicken, crisp peppers, and crunchy celery, all coated in a savory soy-based sauce with aromatic garlic. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or flavorful gatherings, this dish combines bold flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 boned, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 sweet peppers (1 green, 1 red), diced ⓘ
- 3 ribs celery, sliced ⓘ
- 8 green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp sugar ⓘ
- rice to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the soup mix, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, garlic, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet peppers, sliced celery, and sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix cold water, remaining soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch to make a sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bolder flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or fresh ginger to the marinade. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the saltiness. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, but remember to mix it with cold water before adding to the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served over a bed of fluffy rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce. For added texture, consider pairing with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. It also goes well with other Chinese recipes, making it a great addition to a family-style meal or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Chicken And Peppers contains roughly 582 calories, with 17g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 996mg per serving (43% 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 marinating to ensure even flavor absorption and cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave defrost setting for quicker preparation.
What can I substitute for the soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos. For a soy-free alternative, consider using a homemade broth with spices that mimic the umami flavor, though it may alter the taste slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños during the stir-frying process. You could also serve the dish with a side of chili sauce or sriracha for those who enjoy extra spice.
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).