Delicious Stir-Fry using Pasture Raised Chicken Tenders for a Quick Dinner

Stir fry is an excellent choice for quick, healthy dinners that are full of flavor! This meal is a go-to for our family when the days are long and busy with spring farm work.

Why Choose Pasture Raised Chicken?

Incorporating pasture-raised chicken will undoubtedly elevate your stir-fry dish. Unlike standard poultry, our pasture-raised chicken thrives outdoors on pasture, offering rich, nutrient-dense nutrition. This results in a mouthwatering, flavorful dish.

Research shows that pasture raised chicken can contain twice the amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional chicken, along with a higher concentration of vitamin E. By choosing pasture raised chicken, you're opting for a meal that is not only tasty but significantly healthier.

Ingredients You'll Need

Have fun adding your favorite vegetables! Even better, make the most of those leftover veggies that aren’t enough for a full side dish that are sitting in your refrigerator.

**These amounts are enough to feed our large family, and there might even be some left for one person to have for lunch the following day.

• 2 tablespoon oil (avocado oil is our go to oil)

• 2 pounds pasture raised chicken tenders

• 3 - 4 cups mixed vegetables (such as onions, peppers, carrots, green beans, peas ect.)

• 6 tablespoons soy sauce (we use coconut aminos as a substitute and sometimes teriyaki sauce)

• 2 pounds refrigerated StirFry noodles (we use Yaki-soba Stir Fry Noodles)

• Water

  
  

Get creative! You can customize your stir fry with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have in your fridge.

Preparation

Only three steps to prepare this meal...

1. Prep Vegetables: Chop the onion and other vegetables into small pieces. This will help them cook quickly.

   
   

2. Cut Tenders: Slice your chicken tenders into smaller, evenly-sized pieces.

   
   

3. Loosen Noodles: To loosen your stir-fry noodles, rinse noodles under hot water.

   
   

Cooking Your Stir Fry

Now for the fun part—putting it all together!

1. Heat Your Pan: Use a large pan or wok (we use a large 15" cast iron skillet) and heat it over medium-high heat. Add and heat oil to keep things from sticking.

   
   

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

   
   

3. Add the Veggies: Toss in your mixed vegetables and stir fry for another 3-5 minutes. This will soften them while keeping that satisfying crunch.

   
   

4. Add Noodles: Add noodles, 1/4 cup of water, and sauce. Stir-fry for 1 - 2 minutes and serve. (If preparing with cooked meat, add during final minute of stir-fry). Keep refrigerated.

   
   

Stir fry featuring tender chicken and mixed vegetables. (image from wix)

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry

To ensure your stir fry turns out great every time, consider these useful tips:

• High Heat: Always stir fry over high heat to achieve that sought-after char and to keep your veggies crisp and colorful.

  
  

• Avoid Overcrowding: If you have a lot to cook, do it in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying, which you want to avoid for that perfect stir fry texture.

  
  

• Keep Everything Moving: Stir frying is all about fast and continuous motion, allowing for even cooking and enhancing flavors throughout.

  
  

Variations to Try

In the mood for something different? Check out these options:

• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or any protein that suits your diet.

  
  

• Different Sauces: Try different sauces like teriyaki, soy, or spicy chili to change things up.

  
  

• Add Nuts: For added crunch and nutrition, toss in some cashews or almonds during the stir frying process.

  
  

• Add Herbs: Give your dish a little bit more flavor by adding some herbs like basil, oregano, or cilantro.
  

A Delicious and Healthy Choice

Stir fry with pasture raised chicken tenders is not just a quick dinner; it’s an invitation to enjoy flavor, nutrition, and creativity in your meals. This adaptable recipe lets you serve your family or friends on any weeknight when you need something quick to put together.

Remember, the secrets to an amazing stir fry are fresh ingredients, high heat, and a sprinkle of culinary joy.

Let's Start with Making Delicious and Nutritious Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch Using Our Pasture Raised Chicken!

Naturally, the first recipe we would like to share with you involves our pasture-raised, non-GMO chicken.

When cold weather hits or you just need some comfort, nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Today, we are excited to guide you through making this comforting classic from scratch using our sought-after whole pasture-raised chicken. Get ready to impress your family with a dish that they will eagerly request again and again.

The Benefits of Using Pasture-Raised Chicken

Before we jump into the recipe, let's explore the advantages of choosing pasture-raised chicken. Our chickens enjoy a natural lifestyle, living outdoors and eating a diverse diet including grass, insects, seeds, and non-GMO feed. This results in chicken that not only tastes better but is also rich in nutrients.

Research shows that pasture-raised chicken contains up to 50% more omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally raised chickens. They also have lower saturated fat content, making them a healthier option for your family. By selecting high-quality chicken, you’re not only enhancing the flavors of your soup but also nourishing your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here's what you’ll need for a hearty, homemade chicken noodle soup:

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken (about 4-5 pounds)

• 12 cups of water

• 3-4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and diced

• 3-4 celery stalks, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 8 oz of egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)

• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a comforting cooking journey!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To kick off your chicken noodle soup, place your whole pasture-raised chicken in a large pot and cover it with 12 cups of water.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. After coming to a boil, reduce the heat to low, letting the chicken simmer for about 1.5 hours until fully cooked and tender.

As it simmers, skim off any foam that appears on the surface to maintain a clear and flavorful broth.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.

After it cools, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and putting the bones aside. (Tip: There is amazing chicken stock that can be made from the discarded bones.)

Keep the broth warm on the stove while you prepare the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a separate pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they're soft and fragrant.

This step infuses extra flavor into your soup, making it worth the extra minutes!

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

With the vegetables ready, add them to the warm chicken broth. Include the minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary in the mix.

Let this mixture simmer for around 10 minutes to let all the flavors combine perfectly.

Step 5: Add the Noodles and Chicken

It’s noodle time! Stir in the egg noodles and allow them to cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they're al dente.

After the noodles are ready, gently stir in the shredded chicken. Taste the broth and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Your delicious chicken noodle soup is ready to serve! Ladle the soup into warm bowls, garnishing each with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Tips for Customizing Your Soup

To truly make this recipe your own, consider these creative ideas:

• Add More Veggies: Maximize nutrition by including vegetables like parsnips, peas, broccoli, turnips and even sweet potatoes. Be adventurous and make it yours!

• Add a Kick: Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper.

Making a satisfying chicken noodle soup from scratch using pasture-raised chicken is not just a delightful family activity; it’s also a way to bring wholesome nutritional comfort food to your dining table.

With its rich flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish is bound to impress your family and become a cherished tradition in your home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Now go ahead and enjoy the journey of creating something special for your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Yummy!! Chicken Noodle Soup

Welcome!

For quite some time, we have harbored a strong desire to begin sharing the recipes that have been added to the collection here at the farm. With the task of cooking for a family of seven, we have accumulated a diverse array of favorite dishes over the years. It's not uncommon to find ourselves falling into the routine of preparing the same meals repeatedly. This can happen for a multitude of reasons - perhaps everyone enjoys a particular dish, or maybe it's a quick and easy option during a busy season. However, we have found that turning to our collection of recipes is instrumental in breaking free from these monotonous cycles.

Planning out our weekly menus has become a creative and exciting endeavor, thanks to the wealth of recipes we have at our disposal. It allows us to introduce new flavors, experiment with different ingredients, and keep mealtimes interesting for everyone at the table. Our goal in sharing these recipes is to motivate others to step out of their routine meals and embark on their own exciting culinary journey filled with flavor.