Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy

If you’re looking for a quick, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner, this Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Combining tender chicken with crisp, vibrant bok choy, this dish strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and delicious. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nutrients, and brings a beautiful mix of textures and bright flavors to your table without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Lean chicken and nutrient-rich bok choy provide a wholesome meal.
• Flavor-Packed: Savory seasonings and a touch of garlic enhance every bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup.
• Versatile: Easy to tweak for different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy recipe is built on simple, fresh ingredients that play perfectly together. Each item contributes to the dish’s balance of savory, fresh, and crispy textures.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless for quick cooking and tender results.
• Bok choy: Fresh and crisp, it adds a subtle cabbage-like crunch and vibrant green color.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant, savory note that lifts the whole dish.
• Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor without overpowering the freshness.
• Sesame oil: Just a drizzle provides a warm, nutty aroma.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: For searing the chicken and softening the bok choy.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds gentle heat and complexity.
• Green onions: Freshly sliced for garnish and an extra splash of color.

Variations for Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy

Feel free to make this dish your own! The Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy recipe is highly adaptable to what you have on hand or prefer in terms of flavors.

• Switch the protein: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for variety.
• Add mushrooms: Sliced shiitake or button mushrooms bring an earthy depth.
• Use different greens: Substitute baby spinach or kale if bok choy isn’t available.
• Spice it up: Include chili garlic sauce or fresh ginger for an extra kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping the bok choy into bite-size pieces. Pat the chicken dry and season it lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Bok Choy

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bok choy and cook until the greens are wilted but the stalks remain crisp, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Return chicken to the skillet, pour soy sauce and sesame oil over everything, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to coat the chicken and bok choy evenly, letting the flavors meld for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy

• Dry chicken well: Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
• Use fresh bok choy: Fresh, firm bok choy gives the best texture and flavor.
• Balance seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust soy sauce or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• High heat cooking: Use medium-high heat to keep veggies crisp and chicken juicy.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts add texture and color contrast, elevating the final presentation.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. For an ultra-light option, enjoy it alongside a crisp cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a rustic cast iron skillet for a cozy, homey feel or plate individually over rice bowls topped with a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a wedge of lime for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the bok choy. Adding a splash of water can help restore moisture without making the dish soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and stay tender, making them a fantastic alternative to breasts in this Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, the dish becomes gluten-free without compromising flavor.

How do I choose fresh bok choy?

Look for bok choy with crisp, bright green leaves and firm white stalks without any yellowing or wilting to ensure freshness.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be added to boost nutrients and add variety.

What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking?

Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding chicken, and avoid moving it around too soon, allowing it to develop a nice sear.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken and Bok Choy recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity, health, and flavor that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. It’s satisfying yet light, adaptable yet classic. Give it a try and discover how effortless weeknight dinners can be with one skillet and a handful of fresh ingredients.

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