Easy Chicken and Vegetables Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken and vegetables stir-fry is a popular dish that can be prepared in no time with minimal ingredients. This versatile recipe provides an excellent balance of flavors and nutrients, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. In this article, we will share the step-by-step instructions on how to make this tasty meal along with its cooking time and number of servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 carrot
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Soy sauce (as needed)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 as a main dish, or can be paired with rice for an additional serving.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Your Stir-Fry

To start making your stir-fried chicken and vegetables, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into strips: Begin by slicing each breast into thin strips across the grain. This ensures that the meat will cook evenly and is more tender.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Cut both bell peppers and the carrot into thin, bite-sized pieces to match the size of the chicken strips. Ensure all veggies are cut similarly in terms of thickness so they cook uniformly.
3. Cook the garlic: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant but not browned. Garlic adds great flavor to the dish without overpowering other ingredients.
4. Add chicken strips: Place the prepared chicken into the wok or skillet with the garlic. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken starts to turn opaque and is almost cooked through, but still tender.
5. Mix in the vegetables: Add all cut-up bell peppers along with the carrot strips to the stir-fried chicken. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for another 5-6 minutes. The goal here is to ensure that each piece of vegetable reaches a state where it’s crisp-tender but not overcooked.
6. Taste test & adjust seasoning: Before removing from heat, taste your dish briefly to check the saltiness and sweetness level based on personal preference. If needed, add more soy sauce or any other preferred seasonings like black pepper or sesame oil for added flavor.
7. Garnish (optional): For extra color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving if desired.
8. Serve immediately: Once done cooking, transfer the stir-fry from the wok to a clean plate. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for added texture and nutrition.

Tips & Variations

To enhance your experience with this dish further, consider trying these tips:

• If you prefer more heat in your stir-fry, incorporate some sliced chili peppers into the mix at the beginning of cooking.
• For a heartier meal, add some whole wheat noodles or brown rice to bulk up the serving size while providing additional fiber content and complex carbohydrates.
• To reduce fat intake, use less oil when cooking. A non-stick pan helps prevent sticking without requiring excessive grease.

This chicken and vegetables stir-fry not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers health benefits due to its combination of lean protein from the chicken along with a variety of colorful vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or want to impress guests at dinner parties, this easy recipe is perfect!

By following these simple instructions, even first-time cooks can create a delicious and nutritious meal. With minimal effort and time investment, enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a healthy yet satisfying dish right from home kitchen.