Quick and Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Looking for a deliciously quick chicken stir-fry recipe that’s packed with flavor and nutrients? This easy-to-make dish can be prepared in about 20 minutes, serving up to four people. Packed with tender pieces of chicken and colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, this stir-fry is not only satisfying but also incredibly healthy.

Chicken stir-fry has long been a favorite among home cooks looking for something quick yet flavorful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but want to eat well. This recipe uses basic ingredients that are usually found in any well-stocked kitchen, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to avoid overcomplicating their meal plans.

To start, gather all the necessary ingredients: chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces; your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers (red or green), carrots, and broccoli; soy sauce; garlic; ginger; cornstarch; sesame oil; vegetable oil; and black pepper. You may also want to have a small amount of sugar on hand for extra flavor.

Begin by preparing the chicken by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Let this sit while you prepare the vegetables. Slice your bell peppers into thin strips; peel and slice carrots diagonally; cut broccoli florets into small pieces. Make sure everything is chopped uniformly for even cooking.

Heat up your wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil followed by about half a cup of vegetable oil to ensure good searing. Once the oils are shimmering, add your marinated chicken pieces. Stir-fry quickly for just a minute or two until they begin to brown slightly—this should give you some beautiful golden spots on them.

Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set it aside in a bowl. Now turn back to the vegetables left cooking in the pan. Add more sesame oil if needed, then toss in your prepared bell peppers first. Stir-fry for approximately two minutes before adding the carrots; stir-fry another minute or so until they start turning bright orange. Finally, add the broccoli and continue stirring until all veggies are just tender but not mushy.

Return the chicken back into the pan along with some soy sauce if necessary (to adjust saltiness), then simmer everything together for about two more minutes to let flavors meld nicely. Taste it and season with freshly ground black pepper as needed, ensuring that you have a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors.

Once satisfied with the taste, transfer your delicious chicken stir-fry onto plates or bowls, garnished perhaps with sesame seeds for extra crunch. Serve immediately while hot; this dish goes especially well with steamed rice or noodles if preferred. For those who enjoy dipping sauces on the side, consider serving alongside a simple garlic chili sauce made from garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, and lime juice.

Not only does this chicken stir-fry satisfy hunger quickly, but it also provides various health benefits due to its rich content of protein found in the chicken along with essential vitamins and minerals present in vegetables like vitamin C-rich bell peppers, iron-rich broccoli, and beta-carotene filled carrots. This meal is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking convenience without sacrificing nutritional value.

Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes
Number of Servings: Serves 4