Perfectly Balanced Gluten-Free Chicken Stir-Fry

Keyword: gluten-free chicken stir-fry

Gluten-free diets have gained significant popularity in recent years due to increasing awareness of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. If you are looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easily customizable dish that fits into your dietary requirements, then our Gluten-Free Chicken Stir-Fry is just the recipe for you!

The cooking time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes, and it serves four people generously.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari for a gluten-free alternative)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce
• For garnish: sesame seeds and green onions, cut into small pieces.

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Slice the bell peppers, onions, carrots, and green onions as specified in the ingredient list.
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ginger, water, and cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will be used to create the flavorful stir-fry sauce.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (no pink inside). Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the sliced onions, carrots, red bell peppers, and garlic. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften slightly but are still crisp-tender.
5. Return the stir-fried chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir everything together thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken as it reduces over heat due to the cornstarch.
6. Taste the dish before adding salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Once satisfied with the seasoning, turn off the heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Additional Tips & Variations

To add more depth of flavor to this dish, consider adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil right before serving. You could also experiment with different protein sources such as shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a variety in texture and taste.

This recipe is not only versatile but also provides an excellent balance of nutrients. The lean chicken offers quality proteins essential for muscle repair and growth, while the vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for overall health maintenance. If you're looking to make this dish spicier or less spicy depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of ginger used accordingly.

For those interested in exploring more gluten-free options, there are many other recipes available that cater specifically to different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're seeking something sweet, savory, or even a bit of indulgence with desserts, there's always room for creativity within the realm of gluten-free cooking!

Cooking Time and Servings

The total preparation time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes, including marinating the chicken if you choose to do so. It yields four generous servings.