Savory Apple-Infused Chicken Stir-Fry
This Savory Apple-Infused Chicken Stir-Fry combines tender cubed chicken breast with fresh vegetables and sweet, juicy apples for a delightful and nutritious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and color. The addition of golden delicious apples brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike. Serve it over fluffy cooked rice to create a satisfying and well-rounded dish that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 (lb, cubed)
onion
1/2 (cup, sliced)
carrot
1 (cup, thinly sliced)
dried basil
1 (teaspoon, crushed)
frozen Chinese pea pods
1 (cup)
water
1 (tablespoon)
golden delicious apple
1 (cored and thinly sliced)
oil
1 (tablespoon)
cooked rice
2 (cups)
Instructions
1
In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and stir-fry until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the sliced onion and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
3
Next, add the dried basil, frozen Chinese pea pods, and the tablespoon of water. Stir-fry all the ingredients together for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the pea pods retain their crunch.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the thinly sliced apples, allowing the residual heat to slightly soften them.
5
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined. Serve the stir-fry hot over bowls of fluffy cooked rice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Apple-Infused Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines tender cubed chicken breast with fresh vegetables and sweet apples, served over fluffy rice.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes.
Which apple variety is recommended for this stir-fry?
Golden delicious apples are recommended because their subtle sweetness balances the savory elements of the dish.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, the recipe specifically includes one cup of frozen Chinese pea pods.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be stir-fried for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it is lightly browned and cooked through.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The stir-fry includes sliced onions, thinly sliced carrots, and Chinese pea pods.
When should I add the apples to the pan?
The apples should be folded in after the skillet is removed from the heat to allow the residual heat to soften them without making them mushy.
What is the stir-fry served with?
It is traditionally served hot over bowls of fluffy cooked rice.
What seasoning is used in this dish?
The primary seasoning used is one teaspoon of crushed dried basil.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using olive oil for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights and is quick to prepare once the ingredients are chopped.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 10 main ingredients: olive oil, chicken breast, onion, carrot, dried basil, frozen pea pods, water, golden delicious apple, additional oil, and cooked rice.
Do I need to peel the apples?
The recipe specifies coring and thinly slicing the apples, but peeling is optional depending on your preference.
How do I keep the pea pods from getting too soft?
Stir-fry the pea pods for only 2 minutes with a tablespoon of water to ensure they retain their crunch.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is tagged as meal-prep friendly and can be stored and reheated easily.
How do I caramelize the vegetables?
Stir-fry the onions and carrots in oil for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
What is the purpose of adding water to the skillet?
A small amount of water is added to help steam the pea pods and distribute the dried basil.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the addition of sweet apples makes it a popular choice for children and adults alike.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh basil, though you may want to add it at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.
How much rice do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked rice to serve with the stir-fry.
Is this a one-pan meal?
While the rice is usually cooked separately, the entire stir-fry component is made in a single non-stick skillet.
How should I slice the carrots?
Carrots should be thinly sliced to ensure they cook at the same rate as the onions.
Can I substitute the golden delicious apple?
Yes, other sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji would also work well in this dish.
What is the cooking order for this recipe?
First brown the chicken and remove it, then cook the vegetables, then add water and basil, then fold in apples, and finally return the chicken to the pan.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Certainly; vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli would make great additions to the base recipe.
Is this stir-fry healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal because it contains lean protein, fruit, and several vegetables.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in a microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables to make it a vegetarian dish.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
By cubing the chicken and stir-frying it quickly over medium-high heat, you keep the meat juicy and tender.