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

Looking for a quick meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes and serves up to four people? This chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Chicken stir-fry combines tender pieces of chicken with vegetables, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a tasty dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this versatile meal, let's break down some key ingredients:

• Chicken breast or tenders
• Zucchini and bell peppers
• Garlic cloves
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20-25 minutes, including preparation. This dish can be served over rice or noodles to add a bit of texture and complements it well.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 pound of tenders), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large zucchini, sliced diagonally
• 4 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your chicken. If using whole breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re already using tenders, skip this step.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with half of the minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set aside for 5 minutes.
3. While waiting, slice your zucchini diagonally into thin pieces and chop your bell peppers. This will help ensure even cooking.
4. In a wok or large frying pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
5. Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to turn each piece as they start to cook through.
6. Once the chicken is mostly cooked, add in the remaining minced garlic and stir together with the chicken for another minute until fragrant.
7. Add the sliced zucchini and bell peppers into the pan along with soy sauce. Toss everything well so that all pieces of chicken get evenly coated in both oil and seasonings.
8. Continue cooking at medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating throughout your pan. Continue flipping until the vegetables are tender-crisp (about 3-4 more minutes).
9. Taste test before adding additional salt if needed; it’s important that everything is seasoned perfectly!
10. Remove from heat once everything looks nicely cooked but still retains a slight crispness.
11. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of freshness. Serve immediately over your favorite side dish like rice or noodles.

This stir-fry makes a fantastic stand-alone meal, especially when paired with some steamed jasmine rice and perhaps a simple green salad on the side. It’s also great as part of a larger dinner spread if you're entertaining guests—just serve it alongside other dishes and let everyone build their own plates!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 29g
• Vitamin A: 17% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 60% of daily value
• Potassium: 350mg

This versatile dish not only provides a delicious meal option but also contributes to your daily intake of essential nutrients. The combination of lean protein from the chicken, along with vitamins and minerals found in bell peppers and zucchini makes for a balanced meal.

Variations:

• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutesServings: 4
• Add some heat by including sliced fresh ginger root or Sichuan peppercorns for a spicy kick.
• Incorporate more vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and add color to your plate.
• If you prefer a healthier version without rice or noodles, serve this stir-fry over a bed of spinach or arugula instead. You can even try using quinoa or cauliflower rice for added crunch and nutrition!

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what’s available in your pantry or fridge. This versatile recipe allows you to customize it according to your tastes while still maintaining its core simplicity and deliciousness.