Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Delicious Dinner in Minutes

Chicken stir-fry is one of those versatile dishes that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe provides a simple yet delicious meal that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. This easy chicken stir-fry offers the perfect balance of flavors with minimal effort. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to prepare this tasty dish step-by-step.

Ingredients for one serving (4 servings total):

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups mixed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking time: 30 minutes including prep and cooking time. Serves 4 people.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Preparation: Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure even cooking throughout. While you can use any vegetables you like, it’s recommended to choose firm ones that hold their shape well during stir-frying.

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and oyster sauce if using (optional). Set aside this marinade for the chicken strips. If you prefer, you could also marinate your chicken in plain soy sauce or your favorite seasoning blend for an added flavor boost.

Stir-Frying:

Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add vegetable oil. Be cautious as the oil will smoke when heated; this is normal. When the pan is sufficiently hot, add chicken strips to the pan and stir-fry until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your vegetables by chopping them into similar sizes as your chicken pieces for even cooking. Add these veggies along with minced garlic and sliced onion to the same skillet or wok. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain their color and texture – about 5 more minutes.

Once done, stir in the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier. You might need to add a bit of water if it’s too dry, just enough for the ingredients to combine well without becoming soupy. Mix everything thoroughly so that all parts of your dish get evenly coated with flavor. Taste test and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or other condiments.

Finally, serve hot with steamed rice or noodles on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness before enjoying a delicious bowl of chicken stir-fry.

Tips & Variations:

• Add Protein Boost:** Consider adding some tofu or shrimp to increase protein content and variety.
• Change Up the Seasonings:** Experiment with different sauces like hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a touch of chili paste for heat.
• Vary Your Vegetables:** Try using kale, spinach, mushrooms, or snow peas which not only enhance flavor but also provide additional nutrients.