Perfectly Balanced Stir-Fried Chicken with Vegetables

Stir-fried chicken is a dish loved by many for its quick preparation and versatility in incorporating various vegetables. This recipe promises to deliver flavor-packed meals that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, and the servings are suitable for 4 people. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this delicious and nutritious meal!

Ingredients

• Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 lb or 450g)
• Soy sauce, about 3 tablespoons
• Sugar, a generous pinch
• Garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
• Fresh ginger, grated (a thumb-sized piece)
• Olive oil or any cooking oil (2 tbsp)
• Variety of vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas
• Salt, to taste (optional)
• Ground black pepper (to taste, optional)

Steps to Prepare the Stir-Fried Chicken with Vegetables

Step 1: Marinate the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and sugar. Mix well and let them marinate for about 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat evenly.

Step 2: Prepare vegetables. While you are preparing the marinade for your chicken, it’s a good time to clean and slice your vegetables. Cut bell peppers into thin strips; peel carrots and slice them lengthwise; cut broccoli florets into smaller pieces if they’re large; and snap peas can remain whole or halved depending on size.

Step 3: Heat the pan. Preheat a non-stick wok or skillet over high heat. Add olive oil to the pan, letting it get warm but not smoking hot. Once the pan is sufficiently heated, add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until aromatic, ensuring that these aromatics do not burn.

Step 4: Sear chicken. Once your vegetables are prepped and the wok is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Use tongs or a spatula to flip them frequently for even cooking. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown on both sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes total (5 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from heat.

Step 5: Stir-fry vegetables. Return all the remaining ingredients to the pan, including any juices that may have collected during the chicken cooking process. Add in your prepared vegetables and stir-fry for another 8-10 minutes until they’re tender but not overcooked. Ensure you taste test frequently and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine and serve. Once everything is cooked to perfection, gently combine the chicken pieces back into the pan along with the vegetables. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes so that flavors meld together nicely. Serve immediately as a main course with steamed rice or on its own as a side dish!

Tips and Variations

1. Increase flavor: For extra zest, you can add some fresh cilantro leaves right before serving.
2. Vary the vegetables: Feel free to use any green or colored vegetable that suits your taste buds and pantry.
3. Add a protein boost: If you want more substance in this dish, consider adding tofu along with the chicken for added protein content.

Conclusion: Stir-fried chicken with vegetables is not just about the delicious taste; it’s also about simplicity and versatility. You can adjust the recipe according to your dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for company, this dish never fails to impress!

With these steps and tips, stir-fried chicken with vegetables is within reach of every home cook. Enjoy your cooking session and the delightful meal that awaits!