Looking for a vibrant, delicious, and easy dinner that satisfies both your spice cravings and your need for something fresh? Look no further than this Spicy Chicken Tenderloin and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cilantro Lime Rice. This dish brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a touch of heat, all paired with the aromatic cilantro lime rice for a refreshing finish. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal go-to meal for a busy weeknight.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This meal is all about harmony—combining the rich, savory taste of stir-fried chicken and veggies with the light, zesty cilantro lime rice. The use of fresh ingredients, like broccoli, bell peppers, and cilantro, adds a garden-fresh quality, while the chili paste or sriracha delivers a spicy kick. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this recipe is sure to impress with its restaurant-quality flavors.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Chicken Tenderloin Stir-Fry:
- Chicken tenderloins: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and absorb the sauce perfectly.
- Vegetables: A colorful mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and red onion adds both crunch and nutrients.
- Garlic and chili paste: These key flavor enhancers make the dish spicy and aromatic.
- Soy sauce and honey: These ingredients balance the dish, with soy sauce providing umami and honey adding a hint of sweetness (optional).
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that ensures a crispy sear on the chicken and vegetables.
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Basmati rice: Its light and fluffy texture complements the stir-fry.
- Lime zest and juice: Adds a burst of citrus that brightens the whole dish.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro gives the rice its refreshing herbaceous flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice
Begin by preparing the base of this meal—the cilantro lime rice. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Once your water is boiling, add the rice and salt, then cover and let it simmer. After about 15-20 minutes, your rice will be perfectly cooked. Fluff it with a fork and stir in the fragrant lime zest, juice, and fresh cilantro. This step infuses the rice with a bright, zesty flavor that will contrast beautifully with the spiciness of the stir-fry.
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenderloin Stir-Fry
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté the thinly sliced chicken tenderloins until they are golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside and use the same skillet to sauté the garlic until fragrant. Next, add the colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and red onion, stirring occasionally until they’re tender yet still crisp. The key here is to maintain a high heat for a quick, flavorful stir-fry that keeps the vegetables vibrant.
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in soy sauce, chili paste, and honey for an optional touch of sweetness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in water and mix it into the stir-fry until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This step ties all the elements together, coating the chicken and veggies in a spicy, savory sauce.
3. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the stir-fry hot, over a bed of cilantro lime rice. The combination of the spicy chicken and fresh vegetables, alongside the fragrant rice, creates a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also delivers a mix of textures—tender chicken, crisp veggies, and soft, fluffy rice.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Chicken Tenderloin and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cilantro Lime Rice is a wonderful option for those who enjoy bold flavors but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s easy to customize based on your spice tolerance or the vegetables you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with your favorite drink, and you’ve got a meal that will brighten up any evening.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect blend of spice, freshness, and comfort on your plate!
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Spicy Chicken Tenderloin and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cilantro Lime Rice
Description
Dive into a flavorful meal with this spicy chicken tenderloin and vegetable stir-fry, perfectly complemented by fragrant cilantro lime rice. This dish combines freshness and a hint of spice, making it ideal for a dinner that’s both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenderloin Stir-Fry:
– 2 chicken tenderloins, thinly sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small red onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
– Zest and juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice:
– Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
– In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.
– Add the rinsed rice and salt, then stir.
– Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.
– Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenderloin Stir-Fry:
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
– Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
– In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
– Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, broccoli florets, and red onion. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, chili paste, and honey if using. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve:
– Serve the spicy chicken tenderloin and vegetable stir-fry hot over a bed of cilantro lime rice.