How to Prepare a Flavorful Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Chicken and veggie stir-fry is one of the most popular meal ideas among people who want a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or served over rice for an extra serving of vegetables. Today we will walk you through how to prepare a delicious chicken and vegetable stir-fry that’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying

Instructions

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper with your sliced chicken. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
In a separate bowl, toss your mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas) with half a tablespoon of sesame oil. Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and sauté your seasoned veggies for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Remove the vegetables from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. In the same skillet, gently add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not overcrowding them so that you can get good color on all sides.
Once cooked through (about 6-7 minutes), transfer the chicken back onto your plate with the veggies. Wipe out any excess liquid from the pan before returning it to medium heat for another minute or two to ensure the stir-fry has enough flavor depth and texture.
Stir in the remaining sesame oil, soy sauce, and a little water if needed, then add your sautéed veggies. Toss everything together until well combined, and let it cook for another 2 minutes to warm through. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Additional Tips

Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones because they will have more flavor and texture in this dish.
Vary the vegetable choices: Feel free to add any other vegetables you like or need, such as cauliflower, mushrooms, or zucchini. The key is to mix them according to your taste preference and make sure everything is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust salt, soy sauce, or any other spices accordingly based on personal preference. Some people prefer a bit more tanginess from vinegar or lemon juice too.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare and serves 4-6 people comfortably for dinner, depending on how much rice or noodles you serve with it. Adjust the portion size according to family needs; leftovers make great lunchbox additions too!

Why Stir-Fry?

The stir-frying method is incredibly efficient when you're looking to prepare a healthy meal quickly. It uses less oil than some other cooking methods, helps retain nutrients in vegetables, and allows for quick cooking to maintain the crispiness of the veggies while ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Conclusion

A simple yet delicious chicken and veggie stir-fry can be a delightful addition to your dinner routine. With minimal effort and ingredients readily available in most kitchens, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you're looking for something new to try or simply want an easy go-to recipe, give it a shot next time you're planning meals!

Note: Always ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature (165°F) before consumption to prevent any potential foodborne illness.