Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Delicious Recipe for Your Weeknight Dinners

Chicken stir-fry is a popular meal that offers variety, taste, and versatility for everyone. With just one skillet, you can create a dish packed with flavor and nutrients in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s served over rice or noodles, this recipe ensures a satisfying and quick weeknight dinner.

This article will provide you with a simple yet delicious recipe for a chicken stir-fry that is sure to impress your family and friends alike. The keyword for this article is "chicken stir-fry".

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated or finely chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or peanut oil for stir-frying
• Rice, noodles, or vegetables of your choice as a side dish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and ensure that vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, and ginger are finely chopped or grated.

Step 2: Mix Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce (or tamari), cornstarch mixed with water, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth to create the thickening agent for your stir-fry sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat Skillet

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drizzle some olive oil or peanut oil into the pan, allowing it to warm up slightly before adding chicken strips.

Step 4: Sauté Chicken

Add the sliced chicken strips and stir-fry until they turn golden brown and are no longer pink inside. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes depending on the thickness of your slices. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan, place it in a separate bowl, and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add more oil if needed. Throw in garlic and ginger for aroma, followed by broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables until they start to soften but still retain some crispness - about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the stir-fried chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture, stirring everything together until it thickens and coats the chicken and veggies evenly. Allow this to simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking Time: Approximately 25 Minutes

The total time required to prepare this dish is around 25 minutes, including preparation of all ingredients and cooking process.

Servings: Serves 4 People

This recipe yields approximately four servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your dietary preferences or the number of people you're serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Protein-Rich Chicken: Packed with essential amino acids, chicken is a great source of protein which helps in muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber-Rich Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots contribute to dietary fiber intake that promotes digestion health.
• Vitamin Boost: Garlic and ginger not only enhance flavor but also offer numerous health benefits including antioxidants properties and immune support.

This chicken stir-fry is a versatile meal you can enjoy anytime. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet nourishing. Experiment with different vegetables or try adding some tofu or shrimp to vary the flavors and textures every time you cook it!