Moo Goo Gai Pan

This Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and a colorful medley of vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. With its balance of protein, fiber, and fresh flavors, this stir-fry makes for an easy weeknight dinner that is both satisfying and nutritious. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside to make the sauce.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
5. Add the mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn for added variety.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a sliced chili pepper to the stir-fry to give it some heat.
• Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu to create your preferred protein option.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the sodium content without compromising on flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing it for even cooking.
2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce? If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just cook the chicken and stir-fry everything when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I use a different oil for cooking? Yes, you can use any cooking oil such as canola oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil for stir-frying.
5. What kind of rice should I serve with this stir-fry? Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are great options to serve with this stir-fry.
6. Can I make this stir-fry spicy? Yes, you can add chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chilies to the stir-fry for some heat.
7. Can I use a different protein in this stir-fry? Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu, depending on your preference.
8. Can I freeze this dish? Stir-fries generally do not freeze well because the vegetables can lose their texture. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately and stir-fry fresh vegetables when reheating.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
10. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned bamboo shoots and water chestnuts? Yes, fresh bamboo shoots and water chestnuts can be used, but make sure to slice them thinly and cook them until tender.

Conclusion

This Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a simple and satisfying dish that can be customized to your liking. With a variety of vegetables and a flavorful sauce, it’s a nutritious and quick meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a balance of textures in every bite.

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