Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a classic dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes and serves four people. This versatile meal is perfect for busy weeknights or even for lunch, making it an essential addition to any home cook's repertoire. The key to a great stir-fry lies in the balance of flavors and texture – crispy chicken, tender vegetables, and a savory sauce that coats every bite!

To get started, you will need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 red pepper, sliced thinly
1 carrot, julienned
3 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Time: 20 minutes Number of Servings: 4 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix together the chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl until well combined. Allow this mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
In the meantime, slice your vegetables into appropriate sizes so they cook evenly with the chicken. Slice the carrots thinly on an angle or diagonally, ensuring each piece is about a half-inch thick and around two inches long.
Heat up a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil when it starts smoking slightly (about 30 seconds). Quickly add all the chicken pieces to the hot pan and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside on a plate. Now return any remaining cooking oil in the pan to medium heat. Add sliced red peppers followed by carrots; sauté these for about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add garlic cloves during this process.
Once vegetables are almost done, return the chicken back into the pan along with 2 tablespoons of water (or chicken broth). Stir in the green onions and cook everything together over low heat just long enough to warm through—about another minute or two.
Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles as a complete meal!

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure your wok is very hot before adding any ingredients so that they sizzle upon contact. Additionally, having all components ready and at hand before starting ensures smooth sailing throughout preparation.

Health Benefits

This simple yet nutritious dish provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken breast while also offering essential vitamins found in carrots and peppers like vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc. It’s low in fat and sodium depending on how much soy sauce you add.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini based on seasonal availability. You could also try adding shiitake mushrooms for added depth of flavor or tofu instead of chicken if preferred by vegetarians/vegans.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry remains a go-to favorite due to its ease of preparation, versatility in ingredient options, and quick cooking time. Whether you're looking for something comforting at dinner time or fresh and light during lunch hours, this recipe proves itself as an excellent choice.