Easy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that you can whip up in no time? Try this easy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep work and cooking time. The flavorful mix of chicken, vegetables, and herbs comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for those with hectic schedules.

To prepare this stir-fry, you will need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Rice or noodles as side dishes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Instructions

Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. Set aside in a bowl. In another bowl, combine sliced carrots and red pepper. Toss with a little olive oil to coat them. This prevents the vegetables from sticking together during cooking.

In a wok or large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken strips to the pan. Stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan using tongs and set it aside on a plate.

Return any remaining oil in the skillet to heat up again. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for about a minute or until fragrant. Next, toss in sliced onions. Stir-fry for another 4 minutes, ensuring that they become soft but not mushy.

Add the previously prepared carrots and red peppers back into the pan with the onions. Sauté everything together for about another 2 minutes to ensure all ingredients are warmed through without overcooking.

Once all components have been integrated thoroughly in the mix, return the chicken from earlier stages of cooking onto the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir again until heated evenly throughout.

Tips for Success

• Cooking Spray: Using a light coating of non-stick spray before adding ingredients helps prevent sticking, especially when using less oil than usual due to the short cooking time involved.
• Stir-Fry Techniques: Make sure not to overcrowd your skillet. If you do, it can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying which results in soggy vegetables and tough chicken pieces.
• Heat Management: Keep an eye on the heat throughout cooking as too much or too little will significantly affect how well each component cooks up.

This dish pairs wonderfully with any type of grain such as rice, noodles, or quinoa. It can also be served over a bed of lettuce leaves for an extra refreshing touch. The flavors of the stir-fry work beautifully together without overwhelming one another, offering a delightful balance between sweet, savory, and spicy elements.

For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding more vegetables such as broccoli florets or snow peas. You can also experiment with different seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, or even a splash of fish sauce for an extra kick if desired.

Healthy Benefits

• Protein: The protein in chicken contributes to muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Vegetables like bell peppers provide vitamin C, while carrots offer beta-carotene – essential for good vision support among other health benefits.
• Fiber: Both vegetables contribute dietary fiber which aids digestion and supports heart health.

This dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. With its quick assembly process and minimal prep time, it's perfect for those days when you don't feel like cooking something overly complicated yet still want a satisfying meal that fills your tummy without breaking the bank or taking hours out of your evening.

If you're looking for something different but equally delicious, consider trying this Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry tonight! Whether served alongside some steamed rice or tossed into a salad, it's sure to impress both family members and guests alike.