Health meets flavor: instant chicken stir fry recipe for a guilt-free meal

Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this mouthwatering chicken stir fry recipe, specially crafted for your Instant Pot. This culinary symphony combines juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and an irresistible sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pot: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the onion, bell peppers, black beans, corn, and peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
5. Pour the Sauce: Add the sauce mixture to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
6. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
8. Quick Release: After 10 minutes, manually release the remaining pressure.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken stir fry to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Tips for a Perfect Stir Fry:

• Use a Variety of Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Try adding carrots, broccoli, or snap peas.
• Marinate the Chicken: For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Thicken the Sauce: If desired, you can thicken the sauce by adding an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
• Serve with Rice or Noodles: Pair your chicken stir fry with steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

Health Benefits:

This chicken stir fry recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers several health benefits:

• Lean Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber: The vegetables and beans provide plenty of fiber, which promotes digestive health and satiety.
• Antioxidants: The bell peppers and onions are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.

Variations:

• Spicy Stir Fry: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño peppers to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Teriyaki Stir Fry: Substitute the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Vegetarian Stir Fry: Omit the chicken and add extra tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply add 2-3 minutes to the pressure cooking time.

Q: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: Leftover chicken stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I reheat the stir fry?
A: To reheat the stir fry, simply place it in a microwave-safe container and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.