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Deliciously Simple Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a favorite dish for many people due to its versatility and the ability to be customized to suit individual tastes. This popular recipe can be made with a variety of vegetables, meats, and seasonings, making it an exciting addition to your weekly meal plan. Today’s article will provide you with a simple, yet tasty chicken and vegetable stir-fry recipe that you can easily prepare at home.
The key ingredient in this dish is chicken breast, which provides a protein-rich base for the stir-fry. Other ingredients include carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and green onions to add color, crunch, and nutrients. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious as it contains essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 cup of sliced carrots (about 2-3 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 stalk of green onion, finely chopped
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables.
Begin by preheating your wok or large frying pan over medium heat. While waiting for the wok to heat up, prepare all the vegetables by slicing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly during stir-frying.
Step 2: Cook chicken strips.
Add olive oil to your preheated wok or pan. Once it is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts and stir-fry until they are browned on both sides. Make sure that you turn them frequently during cooking so as not to burn them. Once done, remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Stir fry vegetables.
Return the wok or pan to medium-high heat and add in your sliced carrots first. Stir-fry for about two minutes before adding in the bell pepper strips and broccoli florets. Continue stirring until the vegetables turn bright green, which usually takes between three to four minutes depending on their freshness.
Step 4: Incorporate garlic, salt, and soy sauce (optional).
Add minced garlic into the wok along with a dash of soy sauce for extra flavor. Stir well until fragrant but not burnt. Taste the mixture; add more seasoning if necessary before proceeding.
Step 5: Return chicken to the wok.
Gently place back the chicken strips into the pan or wok with the vegetables. Allow it all to warm through and combine flavors by stirring continuously for another two minutes.
Serving:
To serve, simply plate each portion of your stir-fry onto individual plates or bowls. Garnish with finely chopped green onions if desired and garnished with sesame seeds for extra crunch and color.
This chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a healthy yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by itself as a main course or served alongside rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. The dish also makes an excellent option for leftovers the next day, which you could use in wraps, salads, or additional stir-fries.
Not only does this recipe provide a delightful taste experience but it is also nutritious. Chicken provides protein necessary for muscle repair and growth while vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals essential for overall health.
Feel free to experiment with different types of chicken such as thighs or breasts, use various cuts of beef or pork instead, or try out different combinations of vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own variations on this classic dish!