Chicken Stir Fry and Rice: A Healthy & Tasty Dinner Option
Stir frying is a quick and flavorful method of cooking that hails from East Asian cuisine, allowing for the perfect blend of delicious ingredients in a single dish. Chicken Stir Fry with Rice combines tender marinated chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce, served over steaming hot rice. This healthy and tasty dinner option can be easily customized to include your favorite vegetables or alternative protein options. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, it also showcases the culinary beauty of fusion cuisine.
Today, we will explore a delightful Chicken Stir Fry with Rice recipe, discuss its history and curiosities, and guide you through creating a delectable plate full of colors and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Step by Step Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, and then add red and yellow bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet, and continue to stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix together with the vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Serve the chicken stir fry over hot cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
History and Curiosities
Stir frying has been a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years, originating around the time of the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). The wok, a versatile round-bottomed cooking pan, is central to this cooking method, as it allows for evenly distributed heat and quick cooking.
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice showcases the perfect combination of Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients from various culinary traditions. The use of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil demonstrates the inclusion of traditional Asian flavors, while the incorporation of colorful bell peppers and ginger adds to the dish’s international appeal.
Over time, stir frying has gained widespread popularity around the world, particularly in the United States, where it was introduced in the early 20th century by Chinese immigrants. Today, this dish has become a popular choice among health-conscious individuals seeking healthy and tasty dinner options. Chicken Stir Fry with Rice is not only a delicious treat to the palate but also a cultural fusion of flavors and techniques that truly represents the beauty of global cuisine.
