Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
392 | 12g | 3g | 25g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
9g | 4g | 39g | 1.2g |
There’s something incredibly satisfying about stirring together some of your favorite ingredients and watching a delicious dish come to life. One such recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and an all-time favorite of mine, is the Tangelo Chicken Stir-Fry, a lively blend of tantalizing citrus notes, savory protein, and vibrant, crunch-worthy veggies.
The Magic of the Fusion
Fusion dishes have always been a fascination of mine. Growing up in Texas, I was blessed with a diverse culinary background famous for its Tex-Mex flavors. And this Tangelo Chicken Stir-Fry brings the zest and flair of the famous Tex-Mex cuisine, with a hint of classic Asian stir fry which makes it extraordinarily appealing.
There’s also a joy that comes out of reconstructing classic recipes by adding a modern, healthier hack. Like dishing up the traditional southern fried chicken with a fruity twist, smothered in tangy tangelo sauce. It not only makes it an exciting dish but also gives the fried chicken a well-deserved vibrant uplift.
Health Benefits
But we’re not just looking for deliciousness, are we? Good food should bring out good health, and the Tangelo Chicken Stir-Fry doesn’t disappoint on this factor either. The colorful array of veggies, like red peppers, snap peas, and carrots, brimming with vitamins and antioxidants, laid out beautifully in this dish does wonders for your health. Paired with lean protein from the chicken and the benefits of garlic and ginger, this stir-fry is not just bursting with flavors but with health benefits too.
The addition of olive oil and tangelos in the recipe give it an added health boost. Olive oil is known for its heart-healthy attributes, while tangelos, a crossbreed of tangerines and grapefruits, are a powerhouse of vitamin C, a key element for your immunity and skin health. The zestiness of the tangelos complements the distinct flavors of the vegetables and chicken so well, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds, kids included!
Pairings and Similar Dishes
A great thing about the Tangelo Chicken Stir fry is that it lends itself effortlessly to a number of side dishes. It can be served over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for those watching their carb intake. If you are a noodle fan, you can toss it in with lo mein or serve it aside.
And if you’re a fan of this citrusy stir-fry, you’d definitely enjoy Citrus Ginger Honey Glazed Chicken, or if you want a bit of a tweak, the Ginger Orange Chicken might also cater to your taste buds. Each, in their own way, plays up the citrusy goodness of the chicken paired with a unique blend of spices and ingredients.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 pounds of chicken breast, cut into strips
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tangelos, zested and juiced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 2 cups of snap peas, ends trimmed
- 1 cup of carrots, julienne
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step Two
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and tangelo zest, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to release the aromas.
Step Three
Add the bell peppers, red onion, snap peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the mixture for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step Four
While the vegetables are cooking, mix the soy sauce, tangelo juice, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until smooth.
Step Five
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the soy sauce and tangelo juice mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Step Six
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats all of the ingredients, about 2-3 minutes.
Step Seven
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stir-fry hot, and enjoy!