Easy Chicken and Vegetables Stir-Fry Recipe

Keyword: chicken and vegetables stir-fry

This chicken and vegetables stir-fry recipe is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that you can prepare in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something simple yet delicious on the table. The vibrant colors of the vegetables paired with juicy chicken pieces make this dish both visually appealing and tasty.

Before we dive into how to cook it, let's discuss what you'll need:

• Chicken breasts - 2
• Snap peas - 1 cup
• Zucchini - ½ large one
• Carrots - 1 medium
• Red bell pepper - 1/4 of a medium size
• Garlic cloves - 3 (about 1 tablespoon minced)
• Ginger root - small piece, about the size of your pinky finger (about ½ teaspoon grated)
• Soy sauce or tamari for seasoning
• Sesame oil for cooking
• Tamari or soy sauce to taste
• Vegetable stock as needed
• Garnishes: chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional)

To begin, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. For the vegetables, slice the zucchini, carrots, and red bell pepper thinly. Snap peas can be left whole or trimmed to 1-inch lengths.

Heat up a wok or large skillet over high heat until it's very hot. Pour in about two tablespoons of sesame oil to coat the pan evenly. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, tossing frequently until they're browned on all sides.

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce or tamari and vegetable stock. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok. Lower the heat to medium-high and cook for another 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally so that everything gets evenly cooked without burning at the bottom of your pan.

During the final stages of cooking, toss in the garlic and ginger until fragrant but not browned. Add the snap peas last as they take less time than other tougher vegetables like zucchini or carrots to cook through completely. Continue cooking for another couple more minutes until everything is heated through yet still retains a bit of crispness.

If you prefer your stir-fry slightly more savory, add some tamari or soy sauce at the end according to taste preference – generally about 1-2 tablespoons depending on how salty you like it. For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.

Cooking Time: About 20 minutes including preparation time

Servings: This dish serves approximately four people as a main course or can be part of a larger meal. Adjust the portion sizes based on your preferences!

Tips for Success

• If you're using boneless skinless chicken breasts, ensure they are sliced thinly so that they cook evenly and quickly.
• Make sure to remove excess moisture from vegetables by patting them dry with paper towels. This prevents splattering oil during stir-frying.
• Use a non-stick wok or well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the best results since these materials handle high temperatures better than some other cookware types like aluminum ones which might react to acidic ingredients used in the dish such as soy sauce.
• For added texture, consider including some crunchy elements like sliced water chestnuts or shiitake mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values will depend on specific brands of ingredients you use and portion sizes but generally speaking this dish provides a good balance of protein from the chicken along with vitamins A and C found in carrots and bell peppers respectively, plus iron rich spinach leaves if added. It's also low in fat making it suitable for those following a heart healthy diet.

Conclusion

The chicken and vegetables stir-fry recipe provides an easy way to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Whether you're looking for something quick to throw together on busy nights or want to impress guests with an impressive dish, this versatile recipe is sure to please!