Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's bursting with flavor and crunch? Look no further than our Stir Fried Chicken with Pine Nuts! This Asian-inspired recipe is not only quick and easy—taking just 25 minutes from prep to plate—but it's also a delightful medley of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and the irresistible crunch of toasted pine nuts. Perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (1 lb)
- Pine nuts (1/2 cup)
- Bell peppers (2, sliced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Soy sauce (3 tbsp)
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips as well. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the bell peppers. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- In a separate small pan, lightly toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they are golden and fragrant, remove from heat.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the stir-fried chicken and bell peppers.
- Serve the stir-fried chicken with pine nuts hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, slice your chicken and bell peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can whip up this dish in no time!
- High Heat is Key: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid steaming. Overcrowding can prevent that beautiful browning.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry for added color and nutrition.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Keep a close eye on the pine nuts while toasting them; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!
- Serve with a Side: For a complete meal, serve this stir-fry over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a stronger flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or a dash of chili sauce for a little heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg