Perfectly Balanced Meal for a Busy Weeknight: Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a popular choice among those looking to enjoy a quick yet nutritious meal without compromising on flavors or ingredients. This versatile dish can be modified according to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want something both healthy and satisfying.

The key to a great stir-fry is ensuring that all components cook evenly; hence, it's important to slice the chicken into thin strips and cut vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas into similar sizes. This ensures everything is done at the same time and remains fresh and crisp-tender.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh garlic and ginger for added flavor

Instructions

Begin by marinating the chicken strips in soy sauce, cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and ground black pepper. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.
While the chicken is resting, prepare your vegetables. Cut them into similar sizes as mentioned earlier so they cook evenly during stir-frying.
In another bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch again if needed to thicken the sauce later when cooking with the vegetables and meat.
Heat up a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once it’s hot enough, add vegetable oil. When you can see the surface shimmering slightly, gently pour in your chicken strips.
Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and has turned golden brown on the outside – this should take around 7-8 minutes for an even cook time per serving of four.
After adding the chicken, stir-fry briefly before adding all your prepared vegetables. Cook them together for another couple of minutes until they are just tender-crisp. Adjust seasoning if necessary at this stage.
Once done, turn off the stove or remove from heat source. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles as preferred base.

Cooking Time and Servings Information

This recipe takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook, making it suitable for a weeknight meal. It yields enough servings for four people.

Additional Tips for Success

To keep the chicken extra juicy, always marinate it thoroughly before cooking. Avoid overcooking; once the desired color is achieved, take off heat promptly.
The freshness of your produce significantly affects how well this dish turns out. Always choose fresh ingredients for best results.
If you prefer less sodium in your diet, replace soy sauce with tamari or add a dash of reduced-sodium soy sauce instead.

Healthy Alternatives and Modifications

This dish can easily accommodate various dietary preferences. For instance:

To make it vegan-friendly, substitute chicken for tofu and replace the soy sauce with tamari or Braggs Liquid Aminos.
For those who love more heat, add a few chili peppers or some red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also experiment by adding different spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika for unique flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables offers an affordable yet delicious option when time is of the essence but you still want quality nutrition. It pairs well with any type of carbohydrate like rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. With its adaptability to various dietary requirements and preparation methods, this dish caters to everyone's taste buds while being budget-friendly.

By following these simple steps, you'll have a satisfying dinner that doesn't take too much effort out of your day. Enjoy your meal!