Perfectly Balanced: A Delicious Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? This chicken and vegetable stir-fry is the perfect solution! It's packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for busy nights when you want to treat yourself or your family. Let’s dive into how easy and satisfying this dish is to prepare.

Ingredients

To make this Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast (cut into small strips)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables: broccoli florets, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for a bit more flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil

Cooking Time:

This recipe is quick, taking about 30 minutes to prepare. The cooking time for this stir-fry can be divided into chopping the vegetables (5 minutes), marinating the chicken strips (10 minutes), and then actually cooking the dish itself (15 minutes).

Number of Servings:

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or as a main course when you have friends over.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Strips

In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce and cornstarch. Stir until all of the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

Wash your mixed vegetables thoroughly under running water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that all ingredients are uniformly sliced so they cook evenly during stir-frying.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Stir-Fry

In a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, add your vegetable oil. Once it’s hot enough to shimmer (but not smoking), add the marinated chicken strips. Fry them until they are no longer pink on the inside and have slightly browned on the outside. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Now, add your mixed vegetables into the wok or skillet with the remaining oil if needed. Stir-fry the veggies until they are just tender-crisp – this will only take around 3-4 minutes.

Return the chicken to the wok or skillet along with garlic and any extra soy sauce or oyster sauce you may have in your hand, depending on taste preferences. Toss everything together well and let it cook for another minute until all ingredients are heated through but still retain some crunch from the vegetables.

Cooking time is now complete; your delicious Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is ready!

Optional Garnishing

To elevate this dish, you could garnish it with sesame seeds or a sprinkle of green onions. These additions will add some extra depth to the flavors while being visually appealing.

Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role in determining how good this dish turns out. Opt for fresh chicken, crisp vegetables, and a good-quality soy sauce if possible.
• Don’t Overcook: Both the chicken and vegetables should remain slightly undercooked so that they retain their texture. Once done cooking, remove them immediately from heat to prevent overcooking which could make everything less appealing.
• Flavor Balance: Adjust seasoning according to your taste buds’ preferences. You can always add more soy sauce or any other condiment you like during the stir-fry process.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Total Calories: 300 kcal

• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g

Conclusion

This Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a versatile, tasty dish that can be easily customized to suit different dietary needs or personal tastes. Whether you're looking for something quick during weekdays or want to impress guests on the weekend, this recipe offers a satisfying and healthy option every time.