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Introduction
Cooking for the family is a labor of love, but what happens when the meals you prepare for yourself and your children mysteriously disappear? That’s exactly what I faced when my husband and his mother started eating everything I made, leaving me scrambling for solutions. Instead of letting frustration take over, I found creative ways to ensure everyone was well-fed without feeling deprived. If you're facing a similar challenge, this article will help you navigate it with smart meal-planning and delicious recipes.
Ingredients
Here’s a simple yet nutritious meal that’s filling and hard to overindulge in!
For the Main Dish (Hearty Vegetable and Chicken Stir-Fry):
2 cups boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Side (Garlic Butter Rice):
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, add the sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes.
Flavor It Up: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let everything cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Make the Garlic Butter Rice: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the cooked rice, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the stir-fry over the garlic butter rice and serve hot!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it pairs well with a side of fresh cucumber salad or a light soup.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
Variations
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