Unveiled: the secret to a budget-friendly chicken stir fry (budget bytes)

Craving a flavorful, budget-friendly weeknight meal? Look no further than our incredible chicken stir fry recipe, inspired by the renowned Budget Bytes blog. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with umami-rich flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, onion, and green onions. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp.
5. Add the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the reserved marinade. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the green onions over the stir fry and serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Variations

• Spicy Stir Fry: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or other chili sauce to the marinade.
• Veggie-Packed Stir Fry: Add additional vegetables such as snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
• Noodle Stir Fry: Serve the stir fry over cooked rice noodles or ramen noodles.

Tips

• To save time, use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store.
• If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with flour.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or vegetables. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
• Cook the stir fry over high heat to maintain its crunchiness.

Benefits

• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses inexpensive ingredients that are easily accessible at most grocery stores.
• Healthy: Chicken stir fry is packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Versatile: It can be customized to suit your dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Time-Saving: The recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Beyond the Recipe

This chicken stir fry recipe from Budget Bytes is a versatile foundation for countless culinary adventures. Here are some ideas to inspire your next stir fry:

• Add tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu.
• Experiment with sauces: Try different sauces such as hoisin, oyster sauce, or teriyaki sauce to create new flavor profiles.
• Mix up the vegetables: Explore a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bok choy.
• Get creative with toppings: Garnish your stir fry with sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

“Wrap-Up”

This chicken stir fry recipe from Budget Bytes is a culinary masterpiece that combines affordability, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and your wallet. Experiment with different variations, toppings, and sauces to create your own signature stir fry that will become a family favorite.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

Q: How long will the stir fry keep in the refrigerator?
A: The stir fry will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make the stir fry ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stir fry ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, it is best to cook the vegetables just before serving to maintain their crispness.