Heart-Healthy Szechuan Chicken

Experience the bold flavors of takeout-style cuisine with a heart-smart twist in this Heart-Healthy Szechuan Chicken recipe. Crafted with lean boneless, skinless chicken breast, vibrant vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, and a zesty yet lighter sauce made with low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, this dish offers a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing taste. The aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili flakes delivers that signature Szechuan heat, while optional crunchy peanuts add a delightful texture. Perfectly balanced and served over wholesome brown rice, this quick and easy stir-fry is ready in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Bursting with flavor, nutrition, and heart-health benefits, this recipe is a delicious way to embrace healthy eating.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 3 stalks green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted roasted peanuts (optional)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This will be your sauce.

Step 3

Heat grapeseed oil in a large, non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chili flakes to the skillet, and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 5

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

Add the red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 7

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure it is well coated. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Top with sliced green onions and unsalted roasted peanuts, if using.

Step 9

Serve immediately over cooked brown rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1475.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1902.2

Total Fat 70.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.7g
Cholesterol 382.5mg	0%
Sodium 1972.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 32.5g
Protein 170.0g	0%

Vitamin D 22.5IU	0%
Calcium 273.4mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 2175.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.2%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 31.4%