| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 6g | 2g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 3g | 30g | 0.81g |
I have always had a soft spot for Italian-American cuisine, largely thanks to my heritage, but there’s something refreshingly global and health-focused about this delightful dish – the “Chicken and Celery Stir-fry”. It’s a tropical mix of flavors that are far from my staple spaghetti and meatballs, but equally delicious.
A Delicious Break from the Norm
Why I adore this recipe is simple. Its skillful marriage of succulent chicken, crunchy celery, and tropical fruits not only pleases the palate, but also provides a variety of health benefits. The celery is a good source of fiber, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system. The addition of pineapple provides a natural sweetness and is packed with vitamin C, while the apple contributes crunch and a wealth of antioxidants.
The Versatility of Stir-fry
Another reason why the Chicken and Celery Stir-Fry has become a family favorite is its versatility. It shares similarities with a plethora of stir-fry dishes from different culinary traditions, making it an incredibly flexible recipe for pairing with various sides. You could serve it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice for added fiber, or noodles. It also pairs well with spicy bok choy or a simple garlic sesame broccoli stir-fry.
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your individual dietary needs or preference. The ample variety of ingredients, coupled with its simple preparation, makes this a beloved weeknight meal – quick, healthy, and, most importantly, delicious.
As for me, whether I’m serving it after a day in the mountains hiking or at my regular Sunday family dinner, the Chicken and Celery Stir-fry never fails to impress. Its vibrant color and exciting blend of flavors are a testament to how adventurous cuisine can change up dinner without straying from health and wellness goals. Whether you’re a traditional Italian-food lover or a gastronomy explorer, you’ll find this dish a delightful addition to your recipe collection.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 4 cups of celery, sliced
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of chopped pineapple
- 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
Method
Step One
In a large skillet or wok, heat the 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 pounds of chicken breast strips to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned on each side.
Step Two
Reduce the heat to medium and add in the 4 cups of sliced celery, 2 medium sliced onions, and the diced bell peppers. Stir fry these ingredients with the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic cloves to the skillet and stir fry with the other ingredients for another minute until the garlic turns golden and becomes fragrant.
Step Four
In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, ground ginger and black pepper. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Step Five
Pour the broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine.
Step Six
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the dish simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step Seven
Add in the chopped pineapple and the thinly sliced apple. Stir these into the stir fry and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the pineapple and apple are heated through.
Step Eight
Serve the stir fry hot, garnishing with additional soy sauce or hot sauce if desired.
