Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe: A Healthy, Quick, and Flavorful Dish
A Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is the perfect quick, healthy, and flavorful meal to prepare on busy weeknights. This vibrant stir-fry combines tender chicken with colorful bell peppers, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. This dish is easy to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and can be served over rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option. Here’s the full recipe, with every detail you need to prepare this mouthwatering stir-fry.
Why Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry?
Chicken stir-fry is one of the most versatile meals you can make. It’s not only a go-to dinner when you’re pressed for time, but it’s also an incredibly healthy option. Chicken provides lean protein, while bell peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Together, they make for a balanced and nutritious meal that’s also light on calories.
Moreover, a stir-fry is one of the easiest ways to cook vegetables and meat quickly while locking in all the natural flavors. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a dash of sesame oil creates a savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic sauce that brings the entire dish together.
Ingredients
To make this Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, orange, or green), sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for a slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds a nutty, aromatic flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions for Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Thin strips ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the stir-fry. Make sure to remove any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. While this step isn’t essential, a little seasoning adds a nice base taste to the chicken.
2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using). This sauce is the key to bringing together all the flavors in the dish. The soy sauce provides the salty, umami base, while hoisin sauce adds a slightly sweet and savory depth. The rice vinegar introduces acidity, balancing out the sweetness from the honey.
- If you prefer a spicier stir-fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha sauce for a kick. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer when it’s hot, indicating that it’s ready for cooking.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to allow the chicken to brown. Once it starts to turn golden brown on one side, stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy and doesn’t get overcooked.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. You’ll be cooking the vegetables in the same pan to absorb all the flavors left behind from the chicken.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender-crisp. Bell peppers should retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. If you prefer them softer, cook for an additional minute or so.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, allowing the garlic and ginger to release their aroma into the oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables
- Once the vegetables are cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the chicken with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the stir-fry.
6. Serve the Stir-Fry
- Once everything is cooked and well-coated in the sauce, remove from heat. You can serve the chicken and bell pepper stir-fry immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Alternatively, you can enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
- Cutting the Vegetables: For the best texture, cut the vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures they cook evenly and look visually appealing.
- Use a Wok: If you have a wok, use it! A wok allows for even heat distribution and ensures the stir-fry cooks quickly without losing its crispness.
- Vegetable Variations: While bell peppers are the star of this recipe, you can customize it with other vegetables such as snow peas, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces to ensure they cook quickly.
- Marinate the Chicken: For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a bit of sesame oil for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step will infuse the chicken with the flavors from the sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you love spice, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper to the stir-fry. You can also add a bit of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Health Benefits of Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
This Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is not only easy to make but also offers many health benefits. Chicken breast is a lean protein that helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function, and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and they’re also high in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage.
By using healthy cooking oils, low-sodium soy sauce, and fresh ingredients, this dish is low in fat and calories, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is a delicious, healthy, and simple dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or on its own for a satisfying meal that’s quick, nutritious, and full of vibrant flavors.
