Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Dinner Option

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that your whole family will love? This easy chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light, tasty, and ready in no time. With minimal effort required to prepare, this dish is also cost-effective.

Chicken stir-fry combines the flavors of various ingredients with a touch of heat, creating a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s versatile enough to cater to different dietary preferences, such as adding veggies or reducing the amount of chicken for those on a lower-protein diet.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and ensure all vegetables are cleaned and cut appropriately.

2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with sesame oil to create the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.

3. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, warm up olive oil. Once hot, add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown on all sides; this should take around 5-7 minutes depending on how thickly cut the chicken is. Remove from pan to set aside.

4. Now, add more olive oil if needed for a fresh layer, followed by garlic, onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

5. Add back the chicken into the skillet along with your prepared sauce mixture. Allow it to simmer together until everything is fully heated through – about another 3-5 minutes for the best results.

6. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles of choice. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Additional Tips and Variations

To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end before serving. If you have leftovers from your stir-fry, they can be stored in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to three days.

Cooking Time and Servings

This easy chicken stir-fry requires about 15 minutes of active cooking time with another 30 minutes for preparation. It serves four people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Feel free to experiment with different types of protein such as tofu or shrimp if preferred alternatives are available in your kitchen. You may also vary the sauces used based on personal taste – consider trying hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional details provided here reflect one serving size (approximately 1/4 of total quantity). The actual values will depend on portion sizes, but expect roughly:

• Calories: ~300
• Total Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~2.5g
• Cholesterol: ~60mg
• Sodium: ~400mg (when using soy sauce)
• Potassium: ~780mg
• Fiber: ~2g

This simple yet satisfying meal provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamins A & C, iron, and calcium. Adjusting the spices or types of vegetables can help tailor its appeal to individual tastes while maintaining health benefits.