Stir-Fry Oriental Chicken And Rice
A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a savory soy-ginger sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into very thin strips and brown in hot oil. When chicken begins to turn white, add chopped onion.
- Cook until the onion is clear, then add sliced celery and stir-fry quickly.
- Add chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the skillet.
- Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add sliced water chestnuts and cook only until they are heated through.
- Stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water and continue cooking until the gravy thickens.
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.
- Optional: Top with slivered toasted almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cut chicken strips or rotisserie chicken. You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. To enhance flavor, add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. Adjust the garlic powder to your taste, or use minced fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. This stir-fry can also be easily adapted to incorporate leftover vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly. For a crunchy texture, top with slivered toasted almonds, which pairs beautifully with the dish. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. For a complete experience, explore other Chinese recipes like Mom's Chinese Chicken Salad or Oriental Steamed Dumplings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for even warming, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fry Oriental Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1040 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2512mg per serving (109% 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 first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked grilled chicken strips to save time while still enjoying the flavors of this stir-fry.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube can work as a substitute. For a richer flavor, use homemade broth if available, or consider adding a splash of white wine for added depth.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the dish's flavor and texture.
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).