Water Chestnut Chicken
Water Chestnut Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-inspired stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and vibrant vegetables coated in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances crisp textures with a rich, umami flavor that appeals to both meat lovers and veggie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir-fry green peppers and carrots until tender.
- Remove the vegetables from the pan.
- Stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
- Add the cooked green peppers and carrots back to the chicken.
- Stir in chopped green onions and sliced water chestnuts.
- Mix ginger, cornstarch, salt, and soy sauce; pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Stir quickly until heated through, then serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant dish, consider using a mix of bell pepper colors. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use shrimp for a seafood twist. If you prefer more heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce. Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready since stir-frying happens quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Water Chestnut Chicken over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried greens or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial feast, consider serving it alongside other Chinese recipes like Sweet And Sour Stir-Fried Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can still be satisfying as leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Chestnut Chicken contains roughly 185 calories, with 14g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (313% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2112mg per serving (92% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. This ensures even cooking and avoids excess moisture. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked chicken strips for an even quicker meal.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use jicama for a similar crunchy texture. Alternatively, sliced bamboo shoots can add a different flavor while still providing a pleasant crunch to the dish.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Water Chestnut Chicken gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially the cornstarch.
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).