Easy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken and vegetable stir-fries are a popular choice for busy weeknight meals because they’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an ideal option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

The following recipe provides you with a hearty serving of chicken and veggies that can be customized according to your taste preferences. Cooking time for this dish is approximately 20-30 minutes, which includes preparation, cooking, and cleanup. The number of servings varies depending on the size of your family or how hungry you are but we estimate it will serve about four people.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil (you can use vegetable or peanut oil)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor

Instructions

To start preparing your stir-fry, first marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce and cornstarch. Let them sit for around 10 minutes while you prepare all other ingredients.

1. Heat up a large frying pan or wok over medium heat until it's hot enough to almost smoke slightly. Pour in about one tablespoon of cooking oil; make sure the entire surface is covered with a thin layer of oil.
2. Add the chicken pieces into the hot pan and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they turn white and are no longer pink inside. Be careful not to overcrowd your pan as this can lead to steaming instead of searing, which is essential in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
3. Once done, remove chicken from heat using a slotted spoon or spatula and set aside on a plate.
4. Pour off any excess fat left behind but leave about 1-2 tablespoons of oil for cooking. Add more if needed.
5. Add sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry until they start to soften, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Then add carrots and bell pepper; continue stirring them in until they begin to show some color change indicating they are just about ready.
6. Return chicken back into the pan along with garlic clove. Stir everything together thoroughly so that all components meld nicely before seasoning with salt and pepper according to your liking if necessary.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

This dish is served best over steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside some fresh steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For those who want an extra boost of flavor, consider sprinkling sesame seeds on top before serving. Additionally, you could drizzle a little bit more soy sauce over each portion at the table if desired.

For best results, try to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Freshness can significantly impact both taste and texture quality. Also, ensure that your stir-fry is cooked through; undercooked meat can pose health risks. Always make sure all vegetables are cut uniformly so they cook evenly during the process.

Health Benefits

This recipe highlights several health benefits due to its rich content of lean protein from chicken combined with a variety of colorful and nutrient-dense veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Carotenoids present in carrots contribute towards better vision while vitamin C found abundantly within the bell pepper aids iron absorption from non-heme sources such as legumes or whole grains commonly included in typical western diets.

Besides being beneficial for skin health, vitamins A & C boost immunity significantly which helps protect against various infections. Broccoli provides dietary fiber essential for maintaining digestive health alongside phytonutrients responsible for fighting cancer and heart disease risks amongst other conditions.

Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of nutrition and taste suitable for both adults and children alike. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quick dinner or want something simple yet satisfying to serve as part of your lunch spread during the week – there’s nothing quite like chicken and vegetable stir-fry!