Easy Chicken Stir-Fry: A Delicious Meal for Busy Weeknights

Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is one of the most popular and versatile meals that can be enjoyed on a busy weeknight. The combination of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and a simple sauce makes this dish not only tasty but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or a meal to serve your family after a long day at work, this recipe will definitely hit the spot without taking too much time out of your evening.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced into thin strips
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil for a healthier option)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with cornstarch until the mixture is smooth. Set aside this mixture.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken strips and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they are browned on all sides but still slightly pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan and lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking them for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Now add the vegetables—broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, and julienned carrots—to the skillet. Stir-fry these until they are just tender but not overcooked, approximately 4-5 minutes. The key to a perfect stir-fry is ensuring that your ingredients are only briefly cooked.

Once the vegetables have been stir-fried to perfection, return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce mixture and stir everything together until well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until thickened slightly due to the cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Remove the skillet from heat once the ingredients are fully incorporated and your dish is ready to serve. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables of your choice.

Tips for Success

1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken have a much better flavor than frozen or canned ones.
2. Maintain high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients without them becoming soggy. If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet with a heavy bottom for even heating.
3. Cook the chicken first: This helps prevent overcooking vegetables while waiting for chicken to finish cooking.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

The calorie count, fat content, and protein in this dish can vary based on the type of oil used and whether you add other sides. Here's a general idea:

• Calories: ~400
• Total Fat: ~25g
• Saturated Fat: ~6g
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fiber: ~4g

Variations and Suggestions

• Add tofu: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu. Marinate the tofu in soy sauce before stir-frying it.
• Change up the vegetables: Feel free to mix and match different vegetables such as mushrooms, bok choy, or snow peas according to your taste preferences.
• Try a different sauce: Swap out soy sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor profile, or add oyster sauce for an umami kick. You can also experiment by adding sesame oil towards the end of cooking for extra depth.

Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is more than just a simple dish; it’s your go-to meal when time is limited yet you still want to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious dinner. With its quick preparation, delicious taste, and endless customization possibilities, this recipe will become a staple in any kitchen.