Infused with the lively flavors of the tropics, this Calypso Chicken Stir-Fry combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a medley of spices that will leave you craving more. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. Prepare the vegetables by slicing the bell peppers and red onion, mincing the garlic, and grating the ginger.
2. Heat the Coconut Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, allspice, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir-fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, or until it is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the snap peas and pineapple chunks, and stir to combine.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, and honey. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
7. Finish Cooking:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Serve:
Serve the Calypso Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of cooked jasmine or basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.
This Calypso Chicken Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, sweet pineapple, and aromatic spices, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this stir-fry is a quick and satisfying option that delivers both nutrition and taste. Enjoy the lively flavors and tropical flair of this Caribbean-inspired recipe!
