Effortless chicken stir fry with frozen veggies: the ultimate weeknight dinner

Stir-fries are a culinary symphony of flavors and textures, and making them with frozen veggies is a convenient and time-saving way to enjoy this delectable dish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to make chicken stir fry with frozen veggies, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 bag (16 ounces) frozen stir-fry vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and onions)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Chicken

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir to coat.
• Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies

• Add the frozen vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade and 1/4 cup of water.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer in a separate saucepan.

5. Combine the Ingredients

• Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Pour the simmering sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
• Stir to combine and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions.
• Serve the chicken stir fry over rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Use a variety of frozen vegetables to add color and flavor to your stir fry.
• If you don’t have frozen stir-fry vegetables, you can use fresh vegetables instead. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still tender.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, add a little more cornstarch.
• Serve the stir fry with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Variations

• Add other proteins to your stir fry, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Add different vegetables to your stir fry, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Make a spicy stir fry by adding chili peppers or Sriracha sauce.
• Make a vegetarian stir fry by omitting the chicken and using tofu or tempeh instead.

Health Benefits of Chicken Stir Fry with Frozen Veggies

• Chicken stir fry with frozen vegetables is a healthy and nutritious meal.
• Chicken is a lean protein that is low in fat and calories.
• Frozen vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Stir-fries are a low-carb meal that is also gluten-free.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

• Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen vegetables?
• Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen vegetables. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
• What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or chicken broth.
• What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
• If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch.
• What are some other variations I can try?
• You can add other proteins to your stir fry, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu. You can also add different vegetables to your stir fry, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. To make a spicy stir fry, add chili peppers or Sriracha sauce. To make a vegetarian stir fry, omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh instead.