Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is one of those popular dishes that can be enjoyed by people with busy schedules. It’s quick to prepare, packed full of flavors, and can easily accommodate leftovers from other meals. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it's perfect for those nights when you just don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

For this simple yet delicious recipe, we will be using chicken breast as our main ingredient. We'll also incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli which not only add color but also provide a variety of nutrients to your dish. Additionally, soy sauce and garlic give it that authentic flavor that everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 400 grams chicken breast, cut into strips (or cubes)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps for Preparing the Recipe

Preparation:

1. Start by prepping your ingredients. Have all the vegetables cut and ready as this will help speed up the cooking process once you're ready to start.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes so that flavors can penetrate into the meat. This step is optional but highly recommended as it enhances taste.

Cooking:

3. Heat up a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add your chosen cooking oil. Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding in any ingredients; this helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
4. Add the chicken strips to the pan, stirring frequently until they are browned on all sides. The general rule of thumb here is about 5-7 minutes depending on how thick your slices/cubes are.
5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set aside in a separate bowl.
6. Pour off most of the oil leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. Add the bell pepper first as it takes longer to cook followed by carrots then broccoli towards the end when they are almost fully cooked.
7. After all veggies have been added, let them cook until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness (approximately 3-4 minutes).
8. Add back in the previously removed chicken along with a bit more soy sauce if desired. Stir everything together for another minute or two ensuring that everything is heated through.

Serving:

• Transfer your stir-fry into bowls and serve immediately while hot.
• To make it even more enjoyable, consider serving it alongside steamed rice or noodles. A side of fresh cucumber slices could complement the meal nicely too!

The total cooking time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes. It serves four people comfortably making it ideal for a quick family dinner or as part of a larger meal spread.

Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of meat such as chicken thighs if you prefer more tender cuts or try substituting the vegetables with what you have on hand. If you're looking for extra heat, adding some chili flakes into your marinade can provide an exciting kick!

In conclusion, this Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is simple yet incredibly delicious. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it's a go-to dish when time is tight but taste isn't compromised. Whether you're serving it for yourself or feeding friends, this stir-fry will surely become a favorite in your weekly menu rotation.