Chinese chicken

Chinese Chicken with Vegetables – A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner – Chinese chicken with vegetables! This recipe combines juicy chicken meat with a vibrant variety of vegetables, offering an intense flavor and an explosion of colors on the plate. Moreover, it is an excellent way to bring a touch of exoticism to your kitchen.

Brief history
In traditional Chinese cuisine, chicken dishes are often characterized by a balance of flavors and textures. Chicken is an accessible and versatile protein source, and fresh vegetables add not only flavor but also essential nutrients. This recipe is inspired by the stir-fry cooking style, which involves quickly cooking ingredients at high temperatures, keeping them crispy and colorful.

Ingredients
- 300 g chicken breast
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 small celery
- 6 colorful bell peppers – red, yellow, and green
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (sunflower or sesame oil)

Ingredient details
- Chicken breast: Choose a fresh, lean breast for a soft and juicy texture. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer more tender meat.
- Carrots: Sweet roots bring a note of flavor and color. Make sure they are fresh and crunchy.
- Celery: This adds a subtle and crunchy flavor to the dish. You can also use larger celery, but adjust the amount according to your preferences.
- Bell peppers: Choose peppers of different colors to create an attractive appearance. Bell peppers are sweeter and juicier, but you can also experiment with hot peppers for a spicy note.
- Soy sauce: This provides an intense umami flavor and helps flavor the dish. Choose a quality soy sauce; ideally, opt for one with reduced sodium if you want a healthier option.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by washing the chicken breast well and letting it drain. Then, cut it into thin strips, about 2-3 cm wide. This will allow for even and quick cooking.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into thin sticks, and do the same with the celery. Cut the peppers into julienne strips so they cook quickly and retain their crunchy texture.

2. Frying the chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, add the oil and let it heat well (about 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat). Add the chicken strips and fry them, stirring constantly, until they turn golden and are cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

3. Adding the vegetables:
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the carrots and celery to the skillet. Stir them for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft but remain crunchy.
- Add the bell peppers and continue to stir for another 3-4 minutes. It is important not to overcook the vegetables to keep their color and texture.

4. Finalizing the dish:
- After the vegetables are cooked to your desired consistency, add the soy sauce. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes so that the sauce thickens slightly and absorbs into the ingredients in the skillet.

5. Serving:
- Chinese chicken with vegetables is delicious served hot, alongside a portion of boiled rice. Choose long-grain rice, which will perfectly complement the texture of the dish. You can also add a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Practical tips
- Quick cooking: The stir-fry style involves quick cooking at high temperatures, so make sure all ingredients are prepared before you start cooking.
- Varied vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms, to diversify the dish.
- Marinated chicken: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken with a little soy sauce and garlic a few hours before cooking.
- Serving with sauce: If you like, you can prepare a garlic and ginger-based sauce to add at the end of the preparation for an even more intense flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This Chinese chicken with vegetables recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. One serving (approximately 250 g) contains about 300-350 calories. Chicken meat is an excellent source of protein, while vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. This dish is ideal for a light and healthy dinner, being rich in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace chicken with pork, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- How can I make the recipe spicier? You can add chili sauce or fresh sliced hot peppers.
- Can it be frozen? The dish can be frozen, but the vegetables will lose their crunchiness upon thawing. It is best to consume it freshly cooked.

This Chinese chicken with vegetables recipe is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor and color, perfect for impressing family or friends. You can adapt it according to your preferences and enjoy a delicious meal in just 30 minutes! Bon appétit!