In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can often feel daunting. However, with this Korean-style chicken stir fry, you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner ready in no time. The recipe features succulent chicken breast slices cooked with fresh vegetables and tossed in a flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. What sets this dish apart is its simplicity; it uses common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, yet the result is a meal that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken breast, thinly sliced: A lean source of protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- 250g pasta: Adds heartiness to the dish, making it a complete meal.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pleasing crunch.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Provides a depth of flavor and natural sweetness.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a slight crunch.
- 1 bunch of spring onions, chopped: Lends a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced: Infuses the stir fry with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- 45ml sweet chili sauce: Adds a balance of sweetness and heat to the sauce.
- 45ml soy sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor, essential for the dish’s depth.
- Add salt as desired to bring out the natural essence of the ingredients.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick of spice.
- Paprika, to taste: Introduces a smoky flavor with a hint of warmth.
- Vegetable oil, for cooking: A neutral oil that ensures all ingredients are cooked evenly without overpowering the flavors.
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thinly slicing the chicken breast. This allows the meat to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that it stays tender. Season the slices with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika, then set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. The pasta will be added to the stir fry later, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, julienne the carrot, thinly slice the onion and bell pepper, and chop the spring onions. Mince the garlic cloves. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the stir-frying process smooth and efficient.
Cooking the Stir Fry
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken slices. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another drizzle of vegetable oil if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for approximately 30 seconds until it releases its aroma. Next, incorporate the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain a slight crunch.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Finish with Spring Onions: Finally, sprinkle the chopped spring onions over the stir fry and give it one last toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
Conclusion
This Korean-style chicken stir fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the sweet and savory sauce makes this dish a hit with everyone around the dinner table. Plus, the addition of pasta turns this stir fry into a filling and complete meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.