Simple Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A delightful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family!

This easy stir-fry dish combines chicken with a mix of fresh vegetables for a nutritious, quick, and delicious dinner option. Perfect for those busy weeknights or casual weekend meals, this recipe is simple yet satisfying.

The total cooking time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meal preparations. You can serve four people with one batch of this stir-fry, which makes it a great choice for both individual diners and family-style gatherings.

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breasts
1 large onion
3 medium carrots
2 bell peppers (any color)
1 red or green pepper
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat up.
In a bowl, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with soy sauce and set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat slightly. This will ensure your chicken is flavorful throughout.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables by slicing the onions and carrots into thin strips. Dice the bell peppers into small cubes ensuring that they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
After 10 minutes, add the marinated chicken to the hot oil in the wok or skillet. Stir-fry until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the heat once it’s ready.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked chicken back into the bowl with any remaining sauce. Clean out your wok or skillet, then return to high heat.
Add half of the sliced onions and carrots along with the minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes until they start becoming soft but not mushy.
Next, add the diced bell peppers into the hot vegetables in the wok or skillet. Cook them quickly for about another minute before adding the stir-fried chicken back to the pan.
Mix everything together thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes just to heat through. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Finally, garnish your simple yet delicious chicken and vegetable stir-fry with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips for Success

For best results, make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready before starting to cook. This helps streamline the process, ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Additionally, using a wok or large skillet with high sides is recommended as it allows for greater tossing and stirring.

Always be cautious when working with hot oil; ensure that your hands are steady when handling the pan. It’s also wise to wear an apron during cooking to protect yourself from potential splatters.

This chicken and vegetable stir-fry can be served over cooked rice or noodles, adding a bit of texture and flavor to each bite. Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftovers, this dish is best enjoyed within two days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or sauté them with a little bit of oil until heated through.

To take your stir-fry up another notch, consider serving it over quinoa instead of rice for a heartier texture and added fiber. Alternatively, you could add some sliced water chestnuts to the mix for an extra crunch and unique taste.

Conclusion

This simple chicken and vegetable stir-fry is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal or something more substantial, this dish provides both flavor and nutrition. Its simplicity ensures that even beginners can create a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.