Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Meal

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's quick to prepare, versatile in flavor, and packed with health benefits. With just a few ingredients, you can create an authentic, tasty meal that will leave your family asking for more.

This recipe yields four servings, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, including preparation and cleanup. Here's how to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cups broccoli florets
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: sesame seeds or green onions (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to ensure all pieces of chicken are coated evenly. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables. Slice the red bell pepper and yellow onion into thin strips. Wash and cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
In a wok or large frying pan, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer slightly.
Add half of your prepared chicken strips to the hot pan. Stir-fry for about two minutes before flipping and cooking on the other side for another minute or so until browned on both sides but still pink inside (medium-rare). Remove this batch from heat using a slotted spoon and set aside.
Return the remaining chicken strips to the pan. Cook similarly as above, removing them once they’re done.
Add more oil if needed before adding your vegetables—red pepper, yellow onion, broccoli florets. Stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender but not overcooked (about 3 minutes).
Once everything is cooked to perfection, return all the chicken back into the pan with any accumulated juices from the sides. Toss together gently so that everything gets evenly mixed and heated through.

Tips for Success

Ensure your vegetables are cut uniformly; this helps them cook quickly and ensures even cooking throughout each component.
Maintain high heat when stir-frying to prevent the chicken from sticking or burning. You want quick, crisp action with minimal time spent stirring so that it retains its juicy texture.
Adjust seasoning according to your preference by adding extra soy sauce or salt if needed after checking for balance between sweet and savory elements in the dish.

Nutritional Information

The calorie count per serving depends on portion sizes, but generally speaking, each serving of this stir-fry comes out around 300-400 calories. It's rich in protein from the chicken and fiber provided by vegetables like broccoli and peppers. This meal also contributes significant amounts of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and various B vitamins.

Conclusion

The beauty of chicken stir-fry lies in its simplicity yet profound flavor profile, allowing room for customization based on personal taste preferences. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quick lunch or dinner, this dish offers flexibility and convenience. Try experimenting with different types of proteins like shrimp or beef, adding various vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms, or even incorporating noodles or rice if desired.

With its versatility and ease of preparation, chicken stir-fry is an excellent addition to any meal rotation. You can trust this recipe to deliver consistent results every time you prepare it!