Thyroid-Nourishing Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This thyroid-nourishing chicken and vegetable stir-fry recipe features a lineup of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and walnuts, bound together with a subtly sweet sauce. It's also a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's perfect for meal prep. In addition to being a good source of protein, chicken is also one of the few natural food sources of selenium, an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. Selenium is essential for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Studies have shown that even a mild selenium deficiency can impair thyroid hormone metabolism, leading to hypothyroidism. The other vegetables contribute various thyroid-supporting nutrients such as iodine, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E.

The story of this recipe begins in the bustling metropolis of New York City, where I was working as a line cook at a trendy restaurant. One day, I was tasked with creating a dish that was both delicious and nutritious. I wanted to create something that would be satisfying and flavorful, but also good for my health. I started with chicken, a lean protein that is a good source of selenium, an essential mineral for thyroid health. Then, I added a variety of vegetables, each of which contributes various thyroid-supporting nutrients such as iodine, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. The result was a dish that was both delicious and nutritious, and I knew I had to share it with the world.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and onion and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Stir in the walnuts and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The combination of chicken and vegetables provides a good balance of protein and nutrients.
• The vegetables are cooked until tender-crisp, preserving their nutrients and texture.
• The sauce is subtly sweet and complements the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.