Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Nutritious Meal You Can't Miss!

A healthy chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a perfect meal choice for those looking to enjoy delicious food without compromising on health. This dish is packed with nutrients that contribute to overall well-being, making it an excellent option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 large red pepper cut into thin strips
• 1 large green bell pepper cut into similar strips
• 2 medium carrots sliced thinly on the bias
• 1 cup broccoli florets cut into small pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced finely
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional)
• Olive oil for stir-frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing your vegetables. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water then slice or chop as needed.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix the cornstarch (if using), soy sauce, salt, and pepper together to create a marinade for the chicken breast.
3. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the marinade. Allow it to sit in the refrigerator while you prepare other ingredients.
4. Heat up your wok or large frying pan over medium heat until hot enough to sear the chicken. Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil before placing the chicken pieces inside. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently so that all sides get browned. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Return any remaining oil in the pan to high heat. Add garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant but not burnt.
6. Add vegetables one by one starting with carrots which take longer time to cook compared to others like broccoli or bell peppers. Stir-fry each type of veg separately after adding new ones, ensuring they retain their color and crispness.
7. Once all veggies are cooked through and tender yet still vibrant in color, combine them back into the same pot along with the previously seared chicken pieces.
8. Give everything a quick toss together, allowing flavors to meld before serving immediately. Garnish with additional green herbs like fresh cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time & Serving Suggestions:

This healthy stir-fry takes around 30 minutes to prepare and serves four people comfortably. It makes for a light yet filling meal when paired with steamed rice or noodles.

For those interested in adding more flavor depth, consider serving this dish alongside a side salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. Alternatively, you could serve it over cauliflower rice as an alternative grain option for low-carb diets.

Nutritional Benefits:

The chicken provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair while vegetables contribute vital antioxidants and dietary fibers necessary for digestion. Together these components support immune function and satiety throughout the day.

Low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from various colorful veggies used here, this dish offers an excellent opportunity to diversify one’s diet easily at home without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure not to overcrowd your wok; this can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying which reduces texture quality significantly.
• Adjust cooking times according to personal preference regarding how well-done you like your meats and vegetables. Some prefer their chicken fully cooked while others enjoy it slightly pink inside.

By following these steps carefully, you will end up with a delightful and nutritious meal that is both satisfying and beneficial for your health.