Perfectly Balanced Stir-Fried Chicken & Vegetables

Looking for a quick and nutritious dinner option? Our stir-fried chicken and vegetables is just the recipe you're looking for! This dish provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With minimal preparation time and ingredients that are easily accessible in most households, this stir-fry can be on your table within 30 minutes.

The key to creating an outstanding stir-fry is achieving the right balance between protein, vegetables, and sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide along with our tips for making it delicious every time:

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced diagonally
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Ginger, optional - peeled and minced if preferred

Instructions

Start by marinating the chicken. Place the cut-up chicken into a bowl. Mix in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to coat the pieces evenly.

In a separate bowl, add all vegetables (except broccoli) and mix with half of the minced garlic, sesame oil, and another tablespoon of soy sauce. Set aside for about ten minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

While you're marinating the chicken, heat up your wok or large skillet over high heat until it's nice and hot but not smoking. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and let it swirl around to coat the surface evenly. Then add the chicken pieces carefully so they don’t stick together. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it into a plate. Now it's time to stir-fry vegetables. Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil into your cooking pan. When hot, add the remaining garlic and ginger (if using). Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then toss in sliced carrots and onions, stirring occasionally until they start softening up after 3 minutes.

Afterward, incorporate broccoli florets into this mix along with another tablespoon of soy sauce to enhance the flavor profile further. Keep cooking them all together for another couple more minutes till everything is crisp tender yet cooked through completely.

To prepare your sauce mixture: Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside. Pour this sauce into the pan, mix well with all ingredients in it, then simmer over medium heat stirring continuously until thickened and glossy, about 1-2 minutes.

Now return those stir-fried chicken pieces back to your wok or skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly ensuring every bit of protein is coated nicely by the sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute or so, allowing flavors to integrate fully before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully well with steamed jasmine rice which will absorb all those yummy stir-fry juices. You could also serve it alongside some fresh green beans or a side salad if you want something lighter yet still packed full of nutrients!

Conclusion

A homemade stir-fried chicken and vegetable meal is an excellent choice for busy days when you need something healthy yet satisfying. The process is simple, takes no longer than half an hour to prepare, and tastes fantastic every single time! Try out this recipe at home – we're confident you'll fall in love with the simplicity of it.

Enjoy your delicious and balanced meal!