
Today's recipe is a flavorful and nutritious Spicy Chicken, Pak Choi and Italian Leek Stir-Fry. This dish combines tender, glazed chicken thighs with a vibrant mix of fresh pak choi and Italian leeks. The real highlight? A sweet and savory glaze that ties everything together beautifully.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Why Chicken, Pak Choi and Italian Leeks?
Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with a wide range of flavors. It’s rich in essential nutrients like protein, niacin, and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production and overall health.
ForestFoods Pak Choi offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor while being packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Its crisp texture adds depth to the dish, while its antioxidant content supports immunity.
ForestFoods Italian Leeks provide a delicate, mild onion flavor and are high in fiber and prebiotic compounds, promoting gut health and heart health.
The sweet and savory glaze, made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, elevates the dish while balancing the fresh, earthy flavors of the vegetables.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
⅓ cup rice wine vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Stir Fry:
2 heads pak choi, halved or quartered
½ cup thinly sliced ForestFoods Italian Leeks (white and light green parts only)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Utensils:
Large ovenproof skillet or baking dish
Medium saucepan
Large wok or skillet
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 220°C.
Wash the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
Place the chicken thighs in an ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Pour two-thirds of the sauce over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Arrange the chicken skin-side down.
2. Roast and Glaze
Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. Turn the thighs skin-side up and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
Switch the oven to grill/broil on medium heat. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes to achieve a deep golden, crisp skin. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the Italian leeks and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the pak choi and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the pak choi is softened but retains some crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine and Serve
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Serve the chicken over a bed of stir-fried vegetables. Drizzle with the reserved glaze.
Garnish with green onions, red pepper flakes, or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Why This Recipe Works
Balance of Flavors: The sweet and savory glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the chicken and balances the mild, earthy flavors of the vegetables.
Simplicity: The recipe uses commonly available ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings.
Nutritional Value: Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, this dish supports a healthy, balanced diet.
Perfect Pairings
Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Pair with a side of ForestFoods Duo Mixed Lettuce Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Enjoy with a glass of chilled iced tea or sparkling water infused with lemon
Bring Your Veg Box to Life with ForestFoods
At ForestFoods, we’re passionate about regeneratively grown, nutrient-dense produce that inspires creativity in the kitchen. This recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the beauty and flavor of your veg box ingredients.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your creations with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag us. We’d love to see how you’re bringing your veg box to life!
Not yet signed up to our weekly veg box system? Click on the button below and create your account! The ForestFoods online shop opens every Saturday morning and closes on Monday at noon. Deliveries of boxes are then made on Tuesdays.
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