Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that many people enjoy for its versatility and delicious taste. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty meal in minutes. This easy recipe provides you with the steps to prepare an exquisite chicken stir-fry using simple kitchen tools.

Ingredients

• 400g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

To get started with this simple dish, prepare all ingredients by washing the vegetables and slicing them into appropriate sizes. Lay out all the ingredients on a clean surface so you can quickly grab each when it’s time to cook.

Instructions

1. In a wok or a large frying pan, heat up 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. You can determine if the oil is ready by flicking a drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles and evaporates immediately, then you are good to go.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the wok and stir-fry for about 3 minutes or until they turn white and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok using a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil into the same pan if necessary, then add the garlic, onion, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften.
4. Return the chicken pieces to the wok along with oyster sauce and soy sauce. Toss everything together until everything is well-coated in the sauce and heated through. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve immediately with rice for a complete meal. Garnish with paprika if desired before serving.

Cooking Time: Approximate total time needed would be around 20 minutes including the preparation of ingredients and cleaning up after cooking. This recipe yields about four servings, perfect for a family dinner or even as leftovers.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)

• Calories: 348 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3.7g
• Cholesterol: 86mg
• Sodium: 902mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 7.8g
• Protein: 40.6g

This chicken stir-fry is not only tasty but also provides essential nutrients. Carrots and bell peppers are rich sources of vitamins A, C, and K, which contribute to healthy skin, immune function, and bone health. Chicken breast offers a good amount of protein, vital for muscle repair and growth.

DIY Variations

If you want to try different flavors or cater to various dietary restrictions, here are some ideas:

• Add Noodles: For extra texture and volume, add a package of cooked noodles during the final stir. This will make it more substantial.
• Pick Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you like; zucchini, broccoli, or even mushrooms could be great additions.
• Sauce Options: Besides soy and oyster sauce, you can also experiment with other sauces such as hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter taste.

Chicken stir-fry is an adaptable dish that allows you to enjoy it in many forms. It’s easy enough for beginners but still offers opportunities for culinary exploration. Whether you're looking for a weekday dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe can be modified and enjoyed by all.

Conclusion

This simple chicken stir-fry is an excellent example of how versatile cooking can be. By using basic ingredients and following straightforward steps, you can prepare a dish that’s both quick to make and delicious. Try incorporating this meal into your regular rotation for its simplicity, variety, and delightful results.