Savory Chicken Marinara Stir-Fry with Vegetables
This Savory Chicken Marinara Stir-Fry combines tender strips of chicken breast with a vibrant medley of vegetables all enveloped in a rich, tangy marinara sauce. Infused with the flavors of garlic, basil, and red wine, this one-dish meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over hot cooked spaghetti and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a delightful and satisfying dinner that your whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce can, undrained)
Cornstarch
1 (tablespoon)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce can)
Chicken broth
1/4 (cup)
Red wine
1/4 (cup)
Dried basil
1/2 (teaspoon)
Dried thyme
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 (pound, cut into strips)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (small, chopped)
Green pepper
1 (medium, julienned)
Eggplant
1 (small, peeled and cubed into 3/4-inch pieces)
Spaghetti
as needed (hot cooked for serving)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Start by draining the diced tomatoes and reserving the juice. Set the tomatoes aside for later use.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, tomato sauce, chicken broth, red wine, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and the reserved tomato juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined; set aside.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
4
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and julienned green pepper. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5
Add the cubed eggplant to the skillet and continue stir-frying for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and slightly caramelized.
6
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
7
Return the cooked chicken and drained diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
8
Serve the chicken marinara stir-fry over hot cooked spaghetti. Finish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken Marinara Stir-Fry?
It is a quick one-dish meal combining chicken breast, vegetables, and a tangy marinara sauce served over spaghetti.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Stir-fry the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes until they are no longer pink in the center.
What kind of vegetables are in this stir-fry?
This recipe features onion, green pepper, and cubed eggplant along with diced tomatoes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is recommended, you can serve it over linguine, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a small eggplant that has been peeled and cubed into 3/4-inch pieces.
What can I substitute for red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it includes lean protein and various vegetables, though the nutritional profile depends on the specific ingredients used.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
The sauce is thickened using cornstarch which is whisked into the liquid ingredients before cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breast in this stir-fry.
What is the best way to cut the green pepper?
The recipe calls for the green pepper to be julienned, which means cut into long, thin strips.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep the vegetables and chicken beforehand, but it is best served fresh after stir-frying.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this stir-fry?
You can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture, but it is better to cook the pasta fresh when serving.
What can I use instead of eggplant?
Zucchini or mushrooms are great alternatives if you do not have eggplant on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with extra vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?
Avoid overcooking the chicken strips and ensure the heat is high enough to sear them quickly in the oil.
What kind of red wine is best?
A dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well with the tomato-based sauce.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs if substituting for dried basil and thyme.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
What size should the eggplant cubes be?
The eggplant should be cubed into approximately 3/4-inch pieces for even cooking and a nice texture.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is suggested for its flavor, vegetable oil or canola oil can also be used for stir-frying.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of extra salt if chicken broth is unavailable.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
This recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves to be stir-fried with the chicken strips.
Can I add more spice to this dish?
Yes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce will give the stir-fry a nice spicy kick.
What do I do with the reserved tomato juice?
The reserved juice from the diced tomatoes is whisked into the sauce mixture to provide extra flavor and liquid.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over each serving just before eating for a savory finish.
Is this a one-pan meal?
The chicken and vegetables are cooked in one skillet or wok, though the spaghetti is boiled separately.
Can I use canned eggplant?
Fresh eggplant is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor in a stir-fry application.
What side dishes go well with this?
A simple Caesar salad or warm garlic bread would complement this Italian-style stir-fry perfectly.