Ingredients
For the Tender “Velveted” Chicken:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: 1.5 pounds (about 680g), cut into 1-inch, bite-sized cubes. Thighs are recommended for their superior flavor and moisture, but breasts work well too.
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Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. This is the secret ingredient for creating an incredibly tender, restaurant-style chicken texture.
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
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Avocado Oil or other neutral oil: 1 teaspoon.
For the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce:
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Sriracha: 2 to 4 tablespoons. This is the heart of the dish, so you can adjust the amount based on your personal heat preference. Start with 2 tablespoons if you are cautious.
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Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: ⅓ cup (80 ml).
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Honey or Maple Syrup: ¼ cup (60 ml). This is the “sweet” that balances the “spicy.”
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Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Do not skip this; its acidity is crucial for cutting through the richness and balancing the flavors.
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Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Use the dark, aromatic oil for flavor, not the lighter cooking oil.
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Fresh Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons).
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Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated.
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Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. This is the thickener that will transform your sauce into a luscious, glossy glaze.
For the Vibrant Stir Fry Assembly:
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High-Heat Neutral Oil: 2 tablespoons (such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil), divided.
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Broccoli: 1 medium head, cut into bite-sized florets (about 3-4 cups).
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Red Bell Pepper: 1 large, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
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Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper: 1 large, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
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Yellow Onion: 1 medium, cut into large chunks.
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For Garnish:
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Green Onions (Scallions): 3, thinly sliced.
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Toasted Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon.
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Instructions
Step 1: Create the Signature Sauce
In a medium bowl or a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients: the Sriracha, soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk everything together vigorously until the honey has dissolved and no lumps of cornstarch remain. The sauce should be smooth. Set it aside near your stove.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken (The “Velveting” Method)
Pat the cut chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of oil. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken and toss until every piece is lightly and evenly coated. This simple technique, known as velveting, creates a protective coating that keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender during the high-heat cooking process.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Place a large wok or a 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of your high-heat cooking oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the coated chicken to the pan in a single layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, so cook in two batches if necessary. Let the chicken sear, untouched, for 2-3 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same hot wok. Add the broccoli florets and chopped onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing constantly, until the broccoli turns a vibrant bright green and is just starting to become tender-crisp. Next, add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The goal is to have vegetables that are cooked through but still retain a satisfying crunch and bright color.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Give your prepared Sriracha sauce one final, quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom. Pour the entire bowl of sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Glaze
Stir everything together constantly over the high heat. As the sauce comes to a simmer, it will begin to boil and thicken almost immediately. Continue to stir and toss for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has transformed into a thick, glossy glaze that beautifully coats every single piece of chicken and vegetable.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle most of the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry and give it one final toss. Transfer the stir fry to a large serving platter. Garnish with the remaining green onions and sesame seeds. For the best experience, serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 480-540