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Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Weeknight Meal
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Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Weeknight Meal
Chicken stir-fry is a popular and versatile dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes with minimal effort. This quick, easy recipe provides you with delicious, healthy meals without requiring an extensive shopping list or elaborate cooking techniques. Chicken stir-fry has become synonymous with fast, satisfying, and nutritious dinners for busy weeknights.
To prepare this dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. You'll require chicken breast, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli florets, garlic cloves, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. For those who prefer a bit of spice, adding some chili flakes or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.
The cooking time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes, with most of that time spent on preparation and waiting for everything to cook through. The total number of servings depends on the size of your chicken breasts but expect about 4-6 servings from one recipe.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Carrots, sliced thinly
- Bell peppers, cut into strips
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Garlic cloves, minced finely
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- Sesame oil
- (Optional) Chili flakes or red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
First, prepare all your ingredients. Slice the carrots and bell peppers into thin strips. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This mixture will help to enhance the flavor while also providing a bit of tanginess.
Next, heat up your wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil to get things started. Once it's hot, add in the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are lightly browned on all sides. This should take around 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok using a slotted spoon.
Now, lower the heat slightly if necessary and add another tablespoon or two of sesame oil to your pan. Sauté the garlic cloves for about 1 minute until they become fragrant but not browned. Then, add in the sliced carrots and bell peppers along with the broccoli florets. Stir-fry these vegetables together for around 5 minutes, ensuring that they are cooked through without becoming mushy.
Once your vegetables have been stir-fried to perfection, return the chicken to the pan. Pour over the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier and let it all simmer gently for another couple of minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
To finish up, sprinkle a little cornstarch into the wok to thicken the sauce. If desired, add in some chili flakes or red pepper flakes at this point too if you like your food spicier than mild. Stir quickly and evenly so that the sauce coats all of the ingredients nicely.
Allow the dish to cook for another minute before removing it from heat. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if you have them on hand.
Tips for Success
- Use a non-stick pan: A wok works best for stir-frying due to its shape and heat distribution. However, if you don't own one, make sure your frying pan is well-seasoned or use another type that distributes heat evenly.
- Precise timing matters: Overcooking the chicken can render it tough and dry; undercooked chicken poses health risks. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius).
- Fresh vegetables add freshness: Always use fresh produce whenever possible to ensure maximum flavor and nutrition.
Chicken stir-fry is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even include more protein sources like shrimp or tofu if you prefer. This simple recipe can easily be adapted into a healthier version by reducing the amount of oil used and substituting olive oil for the sesame oil.
With its quick preparation time and ability to accommodate various dietary preferences, chicken stir-fry remains one of the go-to dishes for those looking for delicious yet manageable meals. Whether you're short on time or just want a tasty change from your usual routine, this dish will definitely fit into your weekly menu rotation.
Enjoy your homemade chicken stir-fry and all its wonderful flavors!