Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick & Simple Meal

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that can be prepared quickly and easily with minimal effort. This versatile recipe works well for dinner or even as part of your lunchbox, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. Today’s article will guide you through the process of creating a tasty chicken stir-fry while providing detailed steps to ensure success every time.

For this recipe, you'll need approximately 20 minutes in the kitchen and about 30 minutes for preparation if all ingredients are ready beforehand. The total cooking time is around 45-60 minutes, depending on how long your chicken needs to marinate before stir-frying. You should be able to serve four people with this batch.

Begin by preparing the chicken. Slice two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Place these in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours; longer marination enhances flavor.

While the chicken marinates, prepare other ingredients such as broccoli florets (about half a small head), sliced carrots (2-3 pieces), red bell peppers (1 medium-sized one), and snow peas. Chop these vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Next, gather all your cooking tools: a wok or large skillet, a spatula or tongs for stirring, chopsticks or tongs for the vegetables, and a slotted spoon to remove cooked chicken from marinade before adding it to the wok. Ensure you have enough space on your stove as stir-frying requires quick movements.

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in your preheated wok over high heat until shimmering hot but not smoking. This ensures that when you add your ingredients, they will cook quickly without burning. Add the chicken first after draining excess marinade; cook for about 5 minutes or until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon.

Using the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary (optional but recommended to prevent sticking). Stir-fry the vegetables separately starting with broccoli florets followed by carrots, bell peppers, then finally snow peas. Each vegetable takes about 2-3 minutes; cook until just tender-crisp.

Once all vegetables are done, return the chicken back into the wok along with any remaining marinade. Stir-fry together for another couple of minutes to warm everything through and let flavors combine nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce if needed or a touch of salt according to personal preference.

To serve, transfer your delicious Chicken Stir-Fry onto plates. Garnish with green onions cut into thin slices or sesame seeds for extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot so everyone can enjoy their meal fresh from the pan!

Chicken stir-fry is not only tasty but also healthy. It provides a good source of protein thanks to the chicken, along with essential vitamins and minerals found in vegetables like iron-rich spinach, vitamin C-packed bell peppers, and beta-carotene containing carrots.

If you're looking for ways to vary this basic recipe, consider experimenting with different sauces such as hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or teriyaki sauce. You could also substitute chicken with other meats like beef, pork, or tofu depending on dietary preferences or health goals.

With its quick preparation and ease of customization, Chicken Stir-Fry remains a favorite among home cooks seeking convenient yet nutritious meals. Whether you're hosting friends over for dinner or just treating yourself after work, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!