Transform your meals: effortless chicken stir fry recipe in your crock pot!
What To Know
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Leftover chicken stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Asian cuisine with our foolproof chicken stir fry recipe crock pot. This effortless dish combines the convenience of slow cooking with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and savory seasonings. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this easy-to-make yet incredibly satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Transfer to the Crock Pot: Add the sautéed vegetables, sliced carrots, and celery to the crock pot. Top with the seasoned chicken pieces.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
5. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the crock pot.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the chicken stir fry over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Stir Fry
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture.
- Cut the vegetables evenly: This will ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter or saltier stir fry, adjust the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce accordingly.
- Serve immediately: Stir fry is best served immediately after cooking.
Variations on the Recipe
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stir fry, such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn.
- Use different seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings, such as sesame oil, hoisin sauce, or chili flakes.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add a protein boost: Add tofu, shrimp, or beef to your stir fry for an extra protein boost.
Health Benefits of Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits it offers:
- Lean protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Fiber: The vegetables in stir fry provide fiber, which is important for digestive health and feeling full.
- Vitamins and minerals: Stir fry is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and iron.
- Antioxidants: The vegetables in stir fry are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
Leftovers and Storage
Leftover chicken stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the stir fry on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: What can I serve with chicken stir fry?
A: Chicken stir fry can be served over rice, noodles, or quinoa. It can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce to make it spicier.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of meat you like in this recipe. Beef, pork, or tofu would all be good options.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
