Stir-Fry Chicken Spaghetti
A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, served over vermicelli for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/4 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 (16 oz.) can chopped tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. skinned, boned, uncooked chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 cup hot cooked vermicelli ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a large skillet with vegetable cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add diced onion, celery, green pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces, cover, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over hot cooked vermicelli.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger before cooking. You can substitute the chicken breast with shrimp or tofu for a different protein. If you like more heat, increase the red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce. This dish is versatile and can incorporate seasonal vegetables such as carrots or snap peas, similar to other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Stir-Fry Chicken Spaghetti with a side of Egg Drop Soup(From China) for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors. You can also top the dish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor, making it a delightful centerpiece for your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help moisten the dish if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fry Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 204 calories, with 9g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 607mg 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 other types of pasta instead of vermicelli?
Yes, you can substitute vermicelli with other types of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine, though the texture may differ. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. The sauce will complement various pasta styles well.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! To reduce the spice level, simply omit the red pepper and chili powder. You can also add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the flavors without heat. This will result in a milder, yet still flavorful, dish that everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables, then store them separately from the vermicelli. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken mixture and toss it with freshly cooked vermicelli for the best texture. This makes meal prep a breeze!
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).