Meals on a Dime: Chicken Stir Fry

Story by Lexi Carter

Feature photo via Sara at Dinner at the Zoo 

When living in the residence halls or an apartment, it can be hard to find cheap easy meals that actually taste good and are good for you. Time, cost and ability to cook are all reasons why people find it easier to grab a bite to eat at Mcdonalds than to actually cook on their own. But don’t worry, Grand Central is here to help you find your way to quick easy meals!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry is not only a healthy meal to cook, but it is also easy and quick! The prep time for this meal is only 30 minutes and your clean up time will be even quicker. Not only is it a fun meal to experiment with, but it will feel you leaving full and not like you just at a bunch of greasy food like you would after grabbing some fast food.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a fry pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli and mushrooms and cook for approximately 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
2. Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Remove the vegetables from the pan; place them on a plate and cover.
4. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and turn the heat to high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
5. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the pan in a single layer – you may need to do this step in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Add the vegetables back to the pan and cook for 2 more minutes or until the vegetables are warmed through.
7. In a bowl whisk together the oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, sesame oil and soy sauce. In a small bowl mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water.
8. Pour the oyster sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables; cook for 30 seconds. Add the cornstarch and bring to a boil; cook for 1 more minute or until sauce has just started to thicken.
9. Serve immediately, with rice if desired.