Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner? I know that feeling all too well. That’s how this Kiwi Chicken Stir-Fry came to be. I had some leftover chicken, a couple of kiwis that were just begging to be used, and a desire to create something exciting. What resulted was an unexpected culinary triumph!
The magic of this dish lies in the unexpected combination of sweet and savory. The tangy kiwi complements the savory chicken and vegetables beautifully, creating a flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a guilt-free meal option. One of my friends, after trying it at a dinner party, couldn't believe how well the kiwi worked! She's now a convert, haha.
This recipe is incredibly versatile too. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots all work wonderfully. You can also adjust the level of spice to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of coconut aminos for an extra layer of flavor. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey!
This Kiwi Chicken Stir-Fry recipe brings a burst of tropical flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken, tangy kiwi, and crisp vegetables combine in a vibrant, healthy, and delicious stir-fry that’s sure to become a family favorite. It's a little bit different, but trust me, it works.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Cut 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of ginger (grated), 1 clove of garlic (minced), and a pinch of black pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—longer is better!
Prep the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, chop your veggies. You’ll need 1 bell pepper (any color), 1 medium onion (sliced), 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1/2 cup of sliced carrots. If you're short on time, pre-cut veggies are a lifesaver. I sometimes buy them. Don't tell anyone, though!
Slice the Kiwi: Peel and slice 2 ripe kiwis into half-moon shapes. Make sure they're not too ripe, or they'll get mushy when cooked. You want them to hold their shape.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat). Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Maybe add a dash more honey if you like it sweeter.
Heat the Wok (or Pan): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Make sure the pan is screaming hot before adding the chicken. This is crucial for getting a nice sear.
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it's cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside. Avoid overcooking the chicken, it will become rubbery!
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Toss in the onions and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Then, add the broccoli and carrots and continue to stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Nobody likes soggy veggies!
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat everything evenly. The aroma at this point is just heavenly.
Add the Kiwi: Gently fold in the sliced kiwi. Cook for just 1 minute, until the kiwi is heated through but still holds its shape. You don't want to overcook the kiwi, or it will become mushy and lose its flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Kiwi Chicken Stir-Fry hot over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy this flavor explosion!
📝 Notes
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.