Easy and Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Looking for a quick yet satisfying meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes? Our simple chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or even as an easy-to-prepare weekend dish. This versatile dish combines tender, juicy chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce to create a tasty and healthy meal.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Servings: Serves 4

Ingredients You'll Need

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into thin strips
• 3 carrots, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions as garnish (optional)

To prepare this delicious chicken stir-fry, start by marinating the chicken. Place the sliced chicken pieces in a bowl and mix them with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, black pepper, and salt to taste. Ensure the mixture is well-combined so that each piece of meat absorbs flavor uniformly.

Once your ingredients are prepared, heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until it begins to shimmer but not smoke. Add the chicken pieces one at a time, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming instead of searing. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. While the chicken rests, proceed to cook the vegetables. Start with the carrots as they take the longest time to soften. Add them first into the hot pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Next, toss in the bell peppers followed by the broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for another couple of minutes until all vegetables are cooked through but remain a bit crunchy. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

When the veggies reach your desired level of doneness, return the chicken to the pan along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Give everything a good stir to combine flavors fully. Pour in the remaining soy sauce over the dish to enhance its taste. Allow the mixture to heat through briefly before removing it from heat.

Transfer your homemade chicken stir-fry into serving plates and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately while hot; this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy a delightful dinner without compromising on convenience or flavor.

Tips & Variations

1. For added texture and richness, consider adding sliced almonds or cashews right at the end of cooking.

2. If you prefer a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes during the final stages of cooking.

3. To make it more substantial, add cooked noodles such as vermicelli or udon after adding back the chicken to warm through briefly before serving.

Chicken stir-fry is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can experiment with various protein sources like tofu instead of chicken or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Similarly, different vegetable combinations provide endless possibilities depending on what’s in season and available at your local market.

This simple yet flavorful dish makes an excellent choice whether you're looking for something light but satisfying during lunchtime or hearty enough to fuel your evening activities. With its rich flavors and diverse adaptability, chicken stir-fry promises both culinary satisfaction and convenience making it a go-to option in many households worldwide.