Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Paleo Spicy Thai Chicken Stir Fry! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant street markets of Thailand. Packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a perfect balance of heat and zest, this recipe is not just a meal – it's a flavor journey that will make your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice red bell pepper into thin strips, cut broccoli into small florets, julienne carrots, and mince garlic cloves.
- Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels and slice into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
- Heat coconut oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and hot.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add sliced chicken to the pan, spreading pieces in a single layer to ensure proper browning and quick cooking.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pieces are golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots to the pan, stirring to combine with chicken.
- Pour fish sauce and lime juice over the stir fry, tossing ingredients to coat evenly and distribute flavors.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the mixture to add heat and enhance the spicy Thai profile.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring vegetables are crisp-tender and chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir frying moves quickly, so mise en place is crucial!
- High Heat is Your Friend: Ensure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Cut Uniformly: Slice chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and allow ingredients to brown properly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your fish sauce and lime juice can make or break the authentic Thai flavor profile.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the stir fry to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 285kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
