Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes? Try our easy chicken stir-fry recipe! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. It's packed with flavor, protein-rich chicken, fresh vegetables, and a simple sauce that complements all the ingredients beautifully.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 small onion
• 2 carrots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Water or chicken broth (as needed)
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Servings: Makes about 4 servings

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Start by preparing all your vegetables and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. For the carrots, slice them thinly on an angle. The red bell pepper should be cut into strips as well. The onion can be sliced finely or julienned depending on your preference.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken. If you want to add a little extra flavor and tenderness to your chicken, mix soy sauce with water or chicken broth (to your liking) in a small bowl. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the taste of the dish.

Step 3: Heat up oil. While you are waiting, heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. This ensures that your vegetables and chicken will cook evenly and quickly without sticking to the pan.

Step 4: Stir-fry the chicken first. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet or wok. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides and no longer pink inside. If your pan has enough capacity, you can stir-fry them in two batches; otherwise, do it one by one.

Step 5: Add the vegetables. Next, add your sliced onions to the skillet or wok, stirring continuously for about a minute until they begin to soften. Follow this up with the carrots and bell peppers. Continue cooking and stirring until all the vegetables are tender but still retain their bright colors. If you added soy sauce earlier as part of marination, you should find that it starts to thicken nicely at this stage.

Step 6: Add garlic for aroma. After everything is almost ready, add in a few minced garlic cloves and sauté briefly until fragrant. Garlic not only adds depth but also helps to meld the flavors together further.

Step 7: Sauce and thickening (optional). Finally, if you want your stir-fry sauce to be extra rich, add cornstarch dissolved in a little water or chicken broth. This will help thicken the sauce slightly, making it even more flavorful. Once everything is mixed well, let the flavors meld together for another 1-2 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this delicious and healthy stir-fry over hot cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. You can also serve it alongside a side salad if you prefer to have some variety on your plate.

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used, but here’s an approximate breakdown:

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving (approx.)
• Protein: ~40g
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Sodium: ~600mg

This easy chicken stir-fry recipe is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or sauces based on what you have available in your pantry. Whether you're a beginner cook looking for an entry-level dish or someone who enjoys trying new recipes, this meal is sure to please both you and your family!

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p>Enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fry tonight!