Perfectly Balanced Meal: A Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a delightful meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a flavorful sauce makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners. This recipe serves 4 with a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup snow peas
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening the sauce
1 egg white beaten lightly (optional, for a smoother sauce)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by preparing your chicken. Slice the breasts into thin strips and place them in a bowl with the beaten egg white, if using. Season with salt and pepper and set aside for 10 minutes.

While the chicken marinates, prepare all other ingredients. Cut broccoli florets and snow peas to bite-sized pieces.
In another bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch slurry, and a little water until well combined.
To start cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are no longer pink inside but still slightly pink on the outside; transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Reduce heat, add remaining oil if needed, and sauté garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in a few more tablespoons of cornstarch slurry.
Return the chicken and vegetables to the wok. Stir-fry together for about 2-3 minutes or until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

Tips for Success

To ensure your stir-fry turns out perfectly, here are some tips:

Use a wide wok or large skillet to allow space for all ingredients. This helps prevent overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
The chicken should be sliced into thin strips to ensure it cooks evenly. Thinner cuts will cook faster and more uniformly than thicker ones.
Choose fresh vegetables with firm textures; these stay crisp during the stir-frying process.
Serve this dish hot as soon as it’s ready. The flavors are best enjoyed when they are still warm from cooking.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to add other ingredients to customize your dish:

Cooking Noodles or Rice: Serve this stir-fry with steamed rice or noodles. The combination of the savory sauce, vegetables, and protein in chicken will make it a hearty meal.
Veggie Options: Besides broccoli and snow peas, you can use other firm vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra flavor and texture.
Sauce Preferences: You can replace the soy sauce with tamari if you're avoiding wheat. Alternatively, add a splash of sesame oil or red pepper flakes to adjust the spiciness according to your preference.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This stir-fry is rich in protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables, providing essential nutrients for overall health. Each serving contains:

Protein: 30 grams
Fat: 15 grams
Sodium: 800 mg (adjust according to soy sauce used)
Daily Value: Approximately 70% of the recommended daily intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry is not just another ordinary meal; it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or planning ahead for the week, this recipe offers flexibility in terms of ingredients and cooking methods while maintaining its delicious appeal.

Enjoy your homemade chicken stir-fry! It's not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients that contribute to better health. Remember, healthy eating can be simple yet flavorful when you have the right recipes at hand.