Easy Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry

Are you looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that can be ready in under 30 minutes? Then this Chicken Stir-Fry is perfect for you! Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy a healthy yet comforting meal.

This easy chicken stir-fry recipe comes together quickly using a variety of fresh ingredients. The key to an amazing stir-fry is to use high heat and cook the food just until done. This method preserves all the flavors in each ingredient while allowing the natural juices from the protein to come out, making for a succulent dish.

The chicken stir-fry can be customized according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, you could add some tofu instead of chicken if you're following a vegetarian diet. You could also substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil works well)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Servings: Serves 4 as a main course

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add onion slices and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes or until onions become translucent.
Add bell peppers followed by broccoli florets. Stir-fry everything together for another 5 minutes or until vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
Return the chicken to the skillet with any accumulated juices from the plate. Toss everything well and cook for another minute so that all elements come together nicely in flavor.
Salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

The exact nutritional information depends on the ingredients used, but a typical serving of this stir-fry would provide approximately 300 calories per serving including protein from chicken and some carbohydrates from vegetables. It contains healthy fats from oil which contributes to heart health when consumed in moderation.

Why You Should Try This Chicken Stir-Fry

This dish is not only quick but also extremely versatile. You can adjust the flavors by adding more soy sauce or tamari for extra umami, or adding some ginger or green onions if you want to add a bit more zing.

Chicken stir-fries are perfect for those days when you're short on time and need something simple yet satisfying. They also make wonderful leftovers; packed in an airtight container, they keep well through the week.

Tips For Perfect Stir-Fry

Ensure that your skillet or wok is very hot before adding ingredients to get those signature caramelized edges on your protein and vegetables.
If possible, use fresh chicken breasts rather than pre-cooked ones as it retains more flavor during stir-frying.
To avoid overcooking the chicken, remove it from heat just when it starts turning opaque inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
For crispier vegetables, add them towards the end of cooking so they only get heated through once. Overheating can cause them to become limp and soggy.

Cultural Influence On Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It was traditionally served as a way to stretch limited ingredients into a satisfying meal. The technique of quick-cooking various vegetables and meats together originated from this need.

In modern times, the concept of stir-frying has spread globally with variations found across different Asian cultures like Thai green curry chicken or Japanese teriyaki chicken dishes that have similar cooking techniques but unique flavor profiles influenced by local tastes and ingredients.