Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner that comes together in no time? Chicken stir-fry is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners! This versatile dish can be prepared with minimal ingredients while offering a burst of flavors. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to prepare a mouth-watering chicken stir-fry that serves up to four people in approximately 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced into strips
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

To start, you'll want to season your chicken well. Mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl until they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Once ready, heat up the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces after heating the oil and cook them until browned on both sides. Remove this portion from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken, ensuring that you cook it all evenly.

Next, reduce the heat to low-medium and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the same skillet or wok. Stir-fry these for about one minute until fragrant. Add in your prepared vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, and sliced green onions. Cook everything together briefly just enough to get a nice sear on the vegetables without overcooking them.

Return the chicken back into the skillet or wok along with any juices that have accumulated from cooking it previously. Stir gently but thoroughly so all ingredients combine well. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference, then let everything simmer for another two-three minutes until the sauce thickens slightly due to cornstarch working its magic.

Serve hot chicken stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully well with any type of Asian-style side dishes like sushi rolls, miso soup, or a simple salad dressed lightly.

How to Make It Even Better?

If you want to elevate your basic chicken stir-fry recipe further, consider adding some additional ingredients such as:

1. Scallions: Finely chopped scallions add a touch of sweetness and crunch that complements the salty soy sauce perfectly.
2. Almonds: Roasted almond pieces sprinkled over the top give extra texture and flavor. They also provide a healthy boost from their rich protein content.
3. Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of black or white sesame seeds adds warmth to this dish, enhancing both visual appeal and taste.
4. Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy spice, adding a pinch of chili flakes can turn up the heat without overwhelming other flavors in your stir-fry.

Incorporating these optional additions will transform your basic chicken stir-fry into something truly special. They enhance not only taste but also presentation, making each meal more inviting and enjoyable for guests or family members alike.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry is an incredibly popular dish because it's easy to make, full of flavor, and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you're a beginner cook looking for simple recipes or experienced chefs searching for new ideas, this meal fits perfectly into any busy schedule. With its quick preparation time and ability to accommodate various dietary preferences, chicken stir-fry remains one of the most beloved dishes around the world.