Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Meal for Busy Nights

Chicken stir-fry is one of those versatile dishes that can be made in a hurry and served with almost anything. It's especially useful when you're looking for something quick yet nutritious to prepare after work. This simple chicken stir-fry recipe provides a tasty, low-fat meal that's full of flavor without being overly complicated.

The key to making a delicious chicken stir-fry is in the ingredients and technique used. You need chicken breast (or thighs), vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and garlic; ginger for aroma enhancement; soy sauce; cornstarch; cooking oil; and, optionally, green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.

For this dish, we are making a stir-fry that will serve four people. The total preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes needed for the chicken to cook through. This means you can have your meal ready in less than half an hour!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into strips
• 1 small head of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped (optional)
• Soy sauce to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying
• (Optional) Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the chicken. Slice it into bite-sized strips or cubes, depending on your preference.

2. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and soy sauce until well combined. This is to create the thick sauce that will bind all ingredients together once cooked.

3. Heat up enough oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken pieces and stir-fry them for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

4. Add more oil if necessary, then throw in the vegetables one at a time starting with those that take longer to cook (like carrots) followed by others like bell peppers which need less cooking time. Stir-fry until all veggies are tender-crisp; this should not exceed 5 minutes.

5. Once your vegetables are done, return the chicken back into the pan along with the sauce mixture. Toss everything around for another couple of minutes so that flavors meld together nicely.

6. If desired, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot.

Chicken stir-fry pairs wonderfully well with rice, noodles, or even steamed vegetables. If you want to make it extra special, consider adding a side dish of fresh coleslaw or some garlic breadsticks. You could also prepare this as part of a larger meal like having sushi rolls and tempura on the side.

One of the great things about chicken stir-fry is its adaptability - you can experiment with different sauces, add more protein sources such as tofu or shrimp, or vary up the vegetables used based on what looks good at your local market. This recipe serves four people quite generously so it's perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Remember that proper cooking techniques are essential here; quick stirring and constant movement help prevent sticking to the pan while ensuring even cooking. Also, always ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked through to avoid any potential food safety issues like salmonella poisoning which can come from undercooked poultry products.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: About 250 per serving depending on portion size
• Fat Content: Under 10g per serving, primarily from the cooking oil used during preparation.
• Sodium: Approximately 400 mg per serving due to soy sauce added later in the dish.

This chicken stir-fry recipe offers a delicious yet healthy option for busy nights when you need something nutritious but don't want to spend too much time cooking. Its versatility allows you to create various versions based on your taste preferences and dietary needs making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for easy, satisfying meals.