How to Make a Quick Chicken and Bell Pepper Dish

Craving a quick and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and versatile? Look no further than this Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry! Packed with tender chicken pieces, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The combination of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of ginger and garlic makes it a family favorite. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, and garnish with your favorite toppings for a dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into this delicious Chicken and Bell Pepper recipe that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients List

For the Stir-Fry

• ½ cup less-sodium soy sauce, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced or grated fresh ginger (or about 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 sweet bell peppers (any color), seeded and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 ½ lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, trimmed of fat and cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
• Kosher salt, to taste

For Serving and Garnish

• Cooked white rice
• Additional soy sauce (optional)
• Sliced green onion (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped peanuts or cashews (optional)
• Chow mein noodles (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools:

1. Large Skillet or Wok: Perfect for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
2. Cutting Board and Knife: To prepare the chicken, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of sauces and spices.
4. Mixing Bowl: To mix the sauce ingredients before cooking.
5. Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir the chicken and vegetables during cooking.

Having these tools on hand will make the preparation process easier and more efficient.

Preparing the Ingredients and Sauce

Before diving into the cooking, it’s essential to get all your ingredients prepped and ready. This will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Start by cutting the chicken into ¾-inch pieces, and make sure to trim off any excess fat. Next, seed and cut your bell peppers into bite-size pieces. You can use a combination of red, yellow, or green bell peppers to add a burst of color and flavor to your dish.

Now, let’s move on to the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the less-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until the brown sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is well combined. This sauce will bring a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors to the stir-fry. Finally, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, which will help thicken the sauce during cooking.

With the chicken, bell peppers, and sauce prepared, you’re all set to start cooking this delicious Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry!

Cooking the Chicken and Bell Peppers

With all your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to bring the flavors together in the skillet. Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan, and let it heat up until it shimmers. This will help to sear the chicken properly, locking in the juices and flavor.

Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. You want the chicken to develop a nice golden color for added flavor and texture. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed, and toss in the bell pepper pieces. Stir-fry the peppers for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. The vibrant colors of the peppers will brighten up the dish and provide a satisfying texture contrast to the tender chicken.

Once the peppers are slightly softened, return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, allowing the chicken to continue cooking. At this point, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of cooked chicken and peppers, making it hard to wait for the final dish!

Adding the Sauce and Finishing the Dish

Now that the chicken and bell peppers are cooking together in the skillet, it’s time to add the delicious sauce that will bring all the flavors together. Give the soy sauce mixture a quick stir, then pour it over the chicken and bell peppers in the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything, ensuring that the chicken and peppers are well-coated with the sauce.

Next, pour in ½ cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth. This liquid will help deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and incorporating them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and the peppers to soften further.

While the sauce is simmering, pour the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier into the skillet. Stir constantly as you add the slurry to prevent lumps from forming. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce, making it glossy and helping it adhere to the chicken and peppers. Let the stir-fry simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Taste the dish and add a pinch of kosher salt if needed, adjusting to your preference. The savory soy sauce combined with the sweetness of brown sugar and the hint of ginger and garlic creates a well-balanced flavor profile that’s both rich and satisfying.

Serving and Garnishing the Chicken and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

With the chicken and bell peppers coated in that luscious, flavorful sauce, your dish is now ready to be served! To enjoy this delicious Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry at its best, serve it immediately over a bed of steamed white rice. The fluffy rice will soak up the savory sauce, complementing the tender chicken and crisp peppers perfectly.

For added flavor and texture, consider garnishing your stir-fry with some optional toppings. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch that enhances the dish’s overall appeal. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give the stir-fry a nice kick.

You can also add a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch. For a fun twist, top your stir-fry with some crispy chow mein noodles, which add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Serving Tips:

1. Family-Style Serving: This dish works wonderfully as a family-style meal. Place the stir-fry in a large serving bowl, and let everyone help themselves. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to make it a balanced meal.
2. Meal Prep: If you’re looking for an easy meal prep option, this Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry is perfect. Portion it out into containers with rice, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let the stir-fry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until warmed through, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

By following these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a delicious, flavorful, and easy Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Conclusion

Cooking Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry is a fantastic way to bring bold flavors and a variety of textures to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, all wrapped up in a quick and easy recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a mouthwatering sauce is not only satisfying but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors and garnishes to suit your personal taste.

Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a delicious homemade meal or prepping lunches for the week, this Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry is a versatile choice that can adapt to different needs. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, but you can also try serving it with noodles or quinoa for a change of pace. Don’t forget to play around with the garnishes; a sprinkle of green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even some chopped nuts can elevate the dish to a new level.

The next time you’re craving a quick and flavorful meal, remember this recipe. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the simplicity and delight of home-cooked meals with this satisfying Chicken and Bell Pepper stir-fry. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!