Savory Low Carb Chicken Stir Fry
Experience the delicious flavors of our Savory Low Carb Chicken Stir Fry, a quick and healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken breasts, vibrant vegetables, and umami-rich sauces, this stir fry not only satisfies your taste buds but also keeps your carb intake low. Perfectly cooked in less than 30 minutes, this dish is an excellent option for those following a low-carb diet without compromising on flavor. Share it with friends or enjoy it on your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
3 (Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
shiitake mushrooms
1 cup (Sliced)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (For frying)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
sugar snap peas
2 cups (Trimmed)
water chestnuts
1/2 cup (Sliced (from a can))
white onion
1 (Chopped)
chicken stock
1/2 cup (Low sodium preferred)
soy sauce
2 teaspoons (Low sodium preferred)
oyster sauce
2 teaspoons (For flavor)
rice wine or sherry
2 teaspoons (For flavor)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (For thickening)
water
1/2 tablespoon (For cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine (or sherry), and oyster sauce. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2
In a large frying pan or wok, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped white onion and sauté for 1 minute until slightly softened.
3
Add the chicken breasts to the pan and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its fragrant aroma.
4
Next, add the shiitake mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and sliced water chestnuts. Mix well and allow to cook together for approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Pour in the chicken stock, and stir well to combine all the ingredients while the stock begins to simmer.
6
Return to the bowl containing the combined sauces, and pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetable medley. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated with the sauce.
7
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the 1/2 tablespoon of water to form a smooth paste. Create a small well in the center of the stir fry and add the cornstarch mixture. Stir continuously to thicken the sauce until it coats the chicken and vegetables nicely.
8
Serve this savory stir fry over a bed of rice vermicelli for a low carb alternative or over regular rice for those who prefer it.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Low Carb Chicken Stir Fry?
It is a quick, healthy, and umami-rich dish featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
This dish can be prepared and cooked in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Is this stir fry suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates by focusing on lean protein and fresh vegetables.
What vegetables are included in this stir fry?
The recipe features shiitake mushrooms, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, and white onions.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, or even shrimp or tofu as a protein alternative.
What can I use if I don't have shiitake mushrooms?
Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are excellent substitutes for shiitakes.
Is the oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce provides a deep umami flavor, but you can use a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or extra soy sauce if needed.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats the ingredients.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce and a certified gluten-free oyster sauce.
What is a good low-carb serving suggestion?
The recipe recommends serving over rice vermicelli as a low-carb alternative.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables provide the best crunch, frozen sugar snap peas or mushrooms can be used in a pinch.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil, but other high-smoke-point oils like avocado oil also work well.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and stir-fry quickly over medium-high heat.
Can I substitute the rice wine?
Dry sherry is the best substitute, but you can also use a splash of rice vinegar or omit it entirely.
What do water chestnuts add to the dish?
Water chestnuts add a distinct, refreshing crunch that contrasts well with the tender chicken.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
The recipe requires 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, the recipe is savory rather than spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I meal prep this stir fry?
Yes, this dish stores well and can be portioned out for healthy lunches throughout the week.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the stir fry?
Reheating in a pan over medium heat is best to maintain the texture, though a microwave works too.
Can I use a regular frying pan if I don't have a wok?
Yes, a large frying pan is a perfectly suitable alternative to a wok for this recipe.
Why use low-sodium chicken stock?
Using low-sodium stock allows you to control the saltiness, especially since soy and oyster sauces are already salty.
What if I don't like onions?
You can omit the white onion or replace it with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
How do I make the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/2 tablespoon of water until it forms a smooth paste.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, toasted cashews or peanuts would be a great addition for extra texture and flavor.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, the savory sauce and familiar ingredients make it a hit with both adults and children.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to glaze the chicken and vegetables without being overly runny.
Can I add broccoli to this stir fry?
Absolutely, broccoli florets make a wonderful addition; just add them at the same time as the peas.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The recipe does not call for added sugar, though oyster sauce typically contains a small amount.
Is rice wine the same as rice vinegar?
No, rice wine is used for depth of flavor while rice vinegar is much more acidic; use dry sherry if you lack rice wine.