Ingredients
Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients for your chicken and veggie stir-fried quinoa. It’s always best to have everything prepped and ready to go so you can move swiftly through the cooking process.
For the Stir-Fry
- Chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless) – 2 medium-sized pieces, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Quinoa – 1 cup (cooked and cooled)
- Bell peppers – 1 red and 1 yellow, thinly sliced
- Carrot – 1 medium, julienned or thinly sliced
- Broccoli – 1 small head, cut into florets
- Green onions – 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated or minced
- Frozen peas – ½ cup
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
For the Sauce
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
- Honey or brown sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch – 1 teaspoon (optional, for thickening)
- Chili flakes – to taste (optional for spice)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fried Quinoa
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by cooking your quinoa. Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio (for example, 2 cups water to 1 cup quinoa). Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the quinoa is cooking, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using) and stir well. Set this sauce aside for later use.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breast or thighs. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the garlic, ginger, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the sliced bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If using frozen peas, toss them in at the last minute.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Quinoa, and Sauce
Once the vegetables are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked quinoa. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the quinoa to soak up the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, your chicken and veggie stir-fried quinoa is ready to be served. Garnish with extra green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra soy sauce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, healthy meal!
Conclusion: A Perfect Balance of Health and Flavor
Chicken and veggie stir-fried quinoa is the perfect dish when you want something quick, healthy, and full of flavor. By using quinoa as a base, you’re not only adding a nutritious touch to your meal but also creating a dish that’s light yet filling. With a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
So, why not give it a try? Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Happy cooking!
