Delicious One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

In this article, we will guide you through creating a delicious One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry that can be enjoyed in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is packed with flavors and nutrients, providing a healthy meal option that’s both quick to prepare and easy on the budget.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or minced

Cooking Time:

The total preparation and cooking time for this dish is approximately 25-30 minutes. It can be served hot straight from the pot as a complete meal or used as a topping over rice.

Servings:

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Stir-Fry Chicken and Vegetables

Preparation: Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. While you can cook it whole, using thinner pieces ensures that they will be fully cooked when stir-fried.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a slurry; this will help thicken your sauce as everything cooks together in one pot. Set aside until needed.

Stir-Frying: Heat sesame oil over medium-high heat in your large skillet or wok. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) for a couple of minutes to infuse them with flavor without letting them burn.

Add chicken strips and cook until they are no longer pink inside (~5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan but keep warm on a plate. You may want to reduce the heat slightly at this point so that you can add other ingredients gradually, preventing overcrowding in your pot or pan which could lead to steaming rather than stir-frying.

Next, throw in sliced onions followed by broccoli florets and red bell peppers. Stir-fry all these veggies for about 5 minutes until they start turning bright green and crisp-tender without becoming mushy.

Return the chicken back into the pan along with soy sauce (or tamari) and any additional seasoning like salt or pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix thoroughly, letting it cook another couple of minutes as all components meld together beautifully in one dish.

Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Stir-Fry

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken breast when possible; they make a big difference in the final outcome!
• Proper Heat Control: Ensure that your wok or skillet is sufficiently heated before adding any ingredients to avoid cold spots which can cause uneven cooking.
• Don't Overcrowd: Allow enough space between pieces of meat and vegetables so they sear properly rather than stewing in their juices.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

This stir-fry offers a wealth of health benefits due to its diverse array of ingredients. Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance while vegetables like broccoli contribute antioxidants which support immune function. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C known for boosting skin health and iron absorption from non-meat sources.

One serving contains approximately 260 calories including proteins (35g), carbohydrates (12g), fats (8g), and dietary fiber (4g). It's also low in sodium if tamari or regular soy sauce is used instead of a more concentrated version. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to balance their intake within daily recommended ranges.

Conclusion

A scrumptious one-pot chicken and vegetable stir-fry recipe not only satisfies culinary desires but also promotes overall wellness through its nutritious composition. Whether you're preparing a weekday dinner or want something special for company, this versatile dish stands out among other meals due to its simplicity yet delightful taste.