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.