Zesty Southwestern Chicken Stir-Fry
Indulge in this delightful Zesty Southwestern Chicken Stir-Fry, a vibrant one-dish meal that will tantalize your taste buds with its blend of spices and fresh vegetables. This dish brings together tender strips of chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, and a touch of salsa, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it is a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prep. Share this flavorful recipe with friends and family for a truly enjoyable dining experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil cooking spray
to coat (spray as needed)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into 2 1/2 x 1/2 inch strips)
chili powder
1 1/4 teaspoons (ground)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (for frying)
green bell pepper
1 1/4 cups (cut into strips)
onion
1 cup (thinly sliced, separated into rings)
frozen whole kernel corn
1 cup (thawed)
thick & chunky salsa
3/4 cup (mild or hot, your choice)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying a large nonstick frypan with cooking spray and placing it over high heat until hot.
2
Add the chicken strips to the pan and stir-fry for approximately 3 minutes, or until slightly browned and cooked through.
3
Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin, mixing well, then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same pan, add vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once warm, add the green pepper strips and onion. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
5
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the thawed corn and salsa. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes or until everything is heated through.
6
Serve the stir-fry hot, and enjoy your Zesty Southwestern Chicken Stir-Fry!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, bell peppers, corn, and salsa seasoned with Southwestern spices.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
You should use 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 2 1/2 x 1/2 inch strips.
What are the primary spices used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What vegetables are included in this stir-fry?
The dish includes green bell pepper, onion, and frozen whole kernel corn.
Does the corn need to be prepared before cooking?
Yes, the 1 cup of frozen whole kernel corn should be thawed before being added to the pan.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be thinly sliced and separated into rings.
What kind of salsa is recommended?
The recipe suggests 3/4 cup of thick and chunky salsa, either mild or hot depending on your preference.
How long do I cook the chicken initially?
Stir-fry the chicken strips for approximately 3 minutes until slightly browned and cooked through.
What heat setting should be used for the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked over high heat.
What heat setting is used for the vegetables?
The vegetables should be cooked over medium-high heat.
Is oil required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable oil cooking spray to coat the pan and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil for frying the vegetables.
When do I add the chili powder and cumin?
Stir the spices into the chicken after it has browned for 3 minutes, then remove the chicken from the pan.
How long do the green peppers and onions need to cook?
Stir-fry the pepper strips and onion for 3 minutes until tender yet crisp.
What is the final cooking step after combining all ingredients?
Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes once the chicken, corn, and salsa are added back to the pan.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a fantastic option for family dinners or meal prep.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
Should the stir-fry be served hot?
Yes, the instructions specify to serve the stir-fry hot.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking?
Begin by spraying a large nonstick frypan with cooking spray and ensures it is hot before adding the chicken.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
The recipe specifies green bell peppers, but other colors like red or yellow could be used for a similar effect.
What makes this dish 'Southwestern'?
The combination of chili powder, cumin, corn, and chunky salsa gives it its Southwestern flavor profile.
How are the chicken strips sized?
They should be cut into 2 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch strips.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, with total active cooking time around 11 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
Do I cook the vegetables in the same pan as the chicken?
Yes, use the same pan but remove the chicken first before adding the vegetable oil and vegetables.
What is the consistency of the vegetables?
The vegetables should be cooked until they are tender yet crisp.
Can I choose the spice level?
Yes, you can control the heat by choosing between mild or hot thick and chunky salsa.
Is there any sugar or fat info provided?
The nutritional information for calories, fat, sugar, and sodium is not provided in this specific record.
How much salsa is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of thick and chunky salsa.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to spray a large nonstick frypan with cooking spray and place it over high heat until hot.