Healthy Chicken and Water Chestnut Stir-Fry in a Wok Pan

I’m very happy to share one of my favorite weekday dinners, Chicken and Water Chestnut Stir-Fry. This dish is inspired by classic Chinese cuisine and highlights the wonderful combination of tender chicken and crunchy water chestnuts.

What sets this recipe apart is its quick preparation and healthy, flavorful ingredients. Why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s cooked in a wok, making it both a fast and healthier option compared to other cooking methods. The high heat of a wok sears the ingredients quickly, locking in their flavors.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Chicken and Water Chestnut Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 bunch green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations:

• Chicken: Substitute with tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
• Vegetables: Add snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra variety.
• Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

• Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. This helps them cook quickly and evenly in the wok.
• Vegetables: Drain and slice water chestnuts. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces.
• Aromatics: Mince the garlic and ginger.
• Sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch slurry together.

Prepping the Wok

1. Heat the wok over high heat until it starts to smoke slightly.
2. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the sides evenly.

How to Make Your Chicken and Water Chestnut Stir-Fry

1) Cook the Chicken

• Add the sliced chicken to the hot wok.
• Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
• Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

2) Sauté Aromatics

• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok.
• Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

3) Cook the Vegetables

• Add the red bell pepper and water chestnuts.
• Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender.

4) Combine and Sauce

• Return the chicken to the wok.
• Add the green onions.
• Pour in the mixed sauce (soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch slurry).
• Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well-coated.

Essential Note: Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Wok cooking is fast, and you don’t want to be searching for ingredients mid-cooking.

See more: Easy Thai Garlic Pork Stir-Fry Recipe

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

Guidelines and Cooking Tips

• High Heat: Always cook with high heat to ensure quick cooking and preserve the ingredients’ flavors.
• Preheat Wok: Properly preheat your wok before adding oil to achieve a non-stick surface.
• Cut Evenly: Slice ingredients evenly for uniform cooking.
• Constant Stirring: Keep stirring to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the wok as it can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Burning Garlic: Watch out for burning garlic as it can turn your dish bitter.
• Undercooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it back to the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Water Chestnut Stir-Fry

What to Serve

• Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• Noodles: Pair with chow mein or rice noodles for a different twist.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

The Bottom Lines

Making a delicious Chicken and Water Chestnut Stir-Fry is straightforward and rewarding. By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a meal that’s tasty and healthy in no time.

Try out this recipe and share your experience. I’m sure you’ll love how simple and flavorful this dish is!

For more delicious wok pan recipes, stay connected with Kit Yum.

Print