Szechuan Ginger Chicken with Broccoli and Pineapple
This vibrant Szechuan-inspired dish combines tender chicken strips with a mix of colorful vegetables, including sweet broccoli slaw and crunchy florets, all tossed in a rich, spicy ginger sauce with a hint of sweetness from honey and pineapple. The use of peanut butter in the sauce adds a creaminess that beautifully coats the stir-fry. Quick to prepare and packed with flavors, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal that is not only satisfying but also visually appealing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
1 1/4 cups
soy sauce
7 tablespoons
rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
peanut butter
2 tablespoons
cornstarch
2 tablespoons
honey
1 tablespoon
sesame oil
1 tablespoon
ground ginger
2 teaspoons
ground cayenne pepper
1/3 teaspoon (add more to taste)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into thin strips)
cooking oil
3 tablespoons
onions
2 cups (roughly chopped)
baby carrots
1 1/2 cups (cut into matchstick julienne)
garlic
2 cloves (finely minced)
broccoli slaw mix
3 cups
broccoli florets
2 cups
pineapple chunks
1 (8 ounce) can (well-drained)
steamed rice
to serve
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the sauce: In a mini food processor, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, peanut butter, cornstarch, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and well-combined. Set aside.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. When hot, add the chopped onions and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
4
Next, add the minced garlic, broccoli slaw mix, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant and just tender.
5
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet along with the drained pineapple chunks. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the ingredients evenly.
6
For optimal texture, you can cover the skillet for the last couple of minutes to let the vegetables steam slightly, reaching your desired tenderness.
7
Serve the Szechuan Ginger Chicken immediately over a bed of steamed rice for a delicious and hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Ginger Chicken with Broccoli and Pineapple?
It is a vibrant Szechuan-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken strips, colorful vegetables, and a spicy, sweet ginger sauce made with peanut butter.
How do I prepare the sauce for this recipe?
Combine chicken stock, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, peanut butter, cornstarch, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper in a mini food processor and blend until smooth.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken strips should be stir-fried for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
What vegetables are included in this stir-fry?
The dish includes onions, baby carrots, garlic, broccoli slaw mix, and broccoli florets.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The baby carrots should be cut into matchstick julienne.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The addition of 2 tablespoons of peanut butter gives the sauce its creamy texture.
Is this Szechuan chicken spicy?
Yes, the sauce contains ground ginger and ground cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can add more ground cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer a spicier dish.
What provides the sweetness in the dish?
The sweetness comes from 1 tablespoon of honey and an 8-ounce can of drained pineapple chunks.
How do I thicken the stir-fry sauce?
The cornstarch in the sauce mixture will naturally thicken the sauce as it cooks with the ingredients for about 2 minutes.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is preparing the sauce by blending all the sauce ingredients together.
In what order should I cook the vegetables?
First stir-fry the chopped onions and carrots, then add the minced garlic, broccoli slaw, and broccoli florets.
How should the onions be cut?
The onions should be roughly chopped into approximately 2 cups.
Can I steam the vegetables in the pan?
Yes, you can cover the skillet for the last couple of minutes of cooking to let the vegetables steam slightly to your desired tenderness.
What should I serve with Szechuan Ginger Chicken?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
What type of oil is recommended for stir-frying?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in total for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the purpose of rice wine vinegar in the sauce?
Rice wine vinegar provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweet and spicy flavors of the Szechuan sauce.
Is the pineapple used fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies using one 8-ounce can of pineapple chunks, well-drained.
What amount of broccoli is used?
The recipe uses 3 cups of broccoli slaw mix and 2 cups of broccoli florets.
What size pan should I use?
A large skillet or a wok is recommended for stir-frying the ingredients effectively.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare meal that is perfect for weeknights.
What is the function of sesame oil in the recipe?
One tablespoon of sesame oil is blended into the sauce to provide a toasted, nutty flavor.
How much chicken stock is needed?
The sauce requires 1 1/4 cups of chicken stock.
What is the role of cornstarch?
Two tablespoons of cornstarch are used as a thickening agent for the stir-fry sauce.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of ground ginger.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 7 tablespoons of soy sauce in the base of the sauce.
Is this dish visually appealing?
Yes, the combination of broccoli florets, carrots, and pineapple creates a colorful and visually appealing meal.