Sizzling Stir-Fry Chicken 'N Peppers
Sizzling Stir-Fry Chicken 'N Peppers offers a colorful, flavorful combination of tender chicken, sweet peppers, and crunchy water chestnuts in a savory apricot soy glaze, perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup dry sherry or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- dried red pepper flakes to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 pounds boned, skinned chicken breasts or pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 4 large peppers (preferably 1 green, 2 red, 1 yellow), cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 4 ribs celery, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package thin Chinese noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Place apricot preserves in a 1-quart Cook & Measure container.
- Stir cornstarch into soy sauce, then add to the preserves mixture.
- Add dry sherry or chicken broth, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Microwave on High (100%) for 3 minutes, stirring twice during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the dry sherry with chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option. If you want a bit more heat, add extra dried red pepper flakes. Adjust the sweetness by using less apricot preserves, or try substituting with honey for a different flavor profile. This dish can also be made with pork tenderloin for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sizzling Stir-Fry Chicken 'N Peppers over the cooked Chinese noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or even a side salad to balance the flavors. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Aunt Dolores' Orange Chicken or other Chinese recipes for a themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sizzling Stir-Fry Chicken 'N Peppers contains roughly 1780 calories, with 34g protein, 288g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1256mg per serving (55% 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 stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots based on your preference. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Simply substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your noodles are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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).