How to Make Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. This versatile meal can be served as a main course or paired with rice for a satisfying side. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create your very own delicious and nutritious Chicken Stir-Fry.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients You Will Need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 medium onion (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (julienned)
1 yellow bell pepper (julienned)
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion, bell peppers, and broccoli florets to desired sizes. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the ginger into small bits. This step ensures that all ingredients are prepped efficiently for quicker cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce and oyster sauce. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss gently until evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors of the sauce to penetrate the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful stir-fry chicken.

Step 3: Heat up the Oil. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. It is essential that your pan is hot enough to start cooking without burning the vegetables immediately after adding them into the pan.

Important Tip:

To ensure perfect stir-frying, use a large skillet or wok with high sides. This type of cookware allows you to toss and turn the ingredients easily while keeping everything in one place. If using a smaller pan, make sure to work on a lower heat setting for better control.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and finely chopped ginger into the pan. Stir-fry until you smell the aroma of fresh garlic and ginger. This should only take about 30 seconds to a minute. Be careful not to burn them as this can affect the flavor negatively.

Step 5: Add the Chicken. After sautéing the garlic and ginger, add your marinated chicken pieces into the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken starts to turn white but is still tender inside. Be careful not to overcook it or else you'll end up with tough meat.

Step 6: Incorporate Vegetables. Once the chicken is partially cooked, add in sliced onions, julienned bell peppers, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes until all vegetables are bright and tender-crisp. During this time, you can season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Keep stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning.

Step 7: Combine Sauce Ingredients. To finish the dish, mix together soy sauce and oyster sauce once more in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over all ingredients in the pan, allowing it to simmer for another minute or two until everything is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. If you prefer your stir-fry less savory, reduce the amount of soy sauce used.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! Once done cooking, transfer the Chicken Stir-Fry onto a serving plate garnished with chopped green onions if desired. This vibrant dish can be enjoyed immediately as is or over steamed rice for an extra touch of comfort.

Tips for Perfect Stir-frying:

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially the vegetables and chicken. Fresh produce has more nutrients and flavors than older ones.
Ensure that all ingredients are prepped ahead of time so you can focus on cooking without any interruptions.
If using a wok, make sure to have all your ingredients ready before heating up the pan. This minimizes cooling down times between steps and maximizes efficiency.

Conclusion:

Chicken Stir-Fry is not only quick and easy but also packed with delicious flavors. With this guide, you can now create a fantastic meal that can be enjoyed by all family members. Whether it's for lunch or dinner, Chicken Stir-Fry offers flexibility in terms of its accompaniments and presentation. Experiment with different vegetables or sauces to suit your taste buds!