Spicy Chicken Stirfry
Very simple yet fantastic tasting stir fry that is healthy for you.
Very simple yet fantastic tasting stir fry that is healthy for you.
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper i use about a qtr more then what recipe calls for!
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne use more for spicier chicken less for milder.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut either in to squares or tenders (length wise cuts)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 lb frozen onion and pepper mix can use fresh just cut and freeze for later use..
- Carbohydrate 20.2840330781961 g
- Cholesterol 65.77089365 mg
- Fat 5.86456376365971 g
- Fiber 5.57323336331754 g
- Protein 30.3835300582266 g
- Saturated Fat 0.810522421914576 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (237g)
- Sodium 128.166001791573 mg
- Sugar 14.7107997148785 g
- Trans Fat 0.638179221916368 g
- Calories 250 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine sugar, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne in a medium bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes or overnight.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add pepper-and-onion mix and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the spice-rubbed chicken and cook, stirring, until no longer pink in the center, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve hot. Variation: Make Stir-Fried Spicy Beef by using 1 pound of stir-fry beef or thinly sliced top round steak instead of chicken in this dish.
- Best served with brown rice or any other type of rice.
- Tip: Marinate chicken 1 day ahead to make it even faster.
My Go-To Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry
As a busy working mom, I need quick and easy meals that are both delicious and healthy. This spicy chicken stir-fry has become a staple in my household. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, and the flavor is incredible! The best part is, it's easily customizable to my family's preferences. Sometimes I add extra vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, and other times I use different protein, such as shrimp or tofu.
The recipe itself is wonderfully simple. I love that it can be prepped ahead of time. I often marinate the chicken the night before, which makes the cooking process even faster on busy weeknights. The combination of spices – paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper – creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. It's spicy enough to be exciting, but not so much that it overwhelms the taste of the chicken and vegetables. The addition of the frozen pepper and onion mix is a game-changer for me; it saves me a ton of time and chopping! You can certainly use fresh vegetables, of course, but the frozen mix is my shortcut to weeknight success. The result is a dish that’s satisfying, vibrant, and always a hit with my family. Serve it over brown rice for a complete and nutritious meal.
This recipe isn’t just for weeknights, though. It's also perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a quick and easy dinner party dish. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma always seem to impress my guests. And the cleanup is minimal, which is a huge bonus! The one-pan cooking method means less time spent washing dishes after a satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder dish, use less; for a spicier kick, add more.
- Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor. I like to add whatever is fresh and in season.
- Make it Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavorful results.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
This spicy chicken stir-fry recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little bit of spice and a whole lot of love. It's a recipe that's easy to adapt, always delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and I'm sure it will quickly become one of your family's favorites too!
Ingredients I use:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (I use a bit more!)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into squares or tenders)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 lb frozen onion and pepper mix (or fresh, if preferred)
