Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal for Busy Nights

Cooking a delicious meal shouldn’t be time-consuming or complicated. One of the best dishes to make when you're short on time is chicken stir-fry. This versatile dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

Chicken stir-fry is a popular recipe that combines tender pieces of chicken with various vegetables and seasonings. It’s a nutritious meal that provides protein from the chicken along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the colorful vegetables used in the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
• 2 carrots, sliced into matchsticks
• 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons water (for the sauce)

Instructions

First, prepare the chicken by marinating it in soy sauce and cornstarch. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it a nice flavor boost.

1. In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and stir gently until fully coated. Set aside for about 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
2. While waiting, slice your carrots into thin matchsticks, cut the bell pepper into strips, and chop the broccoli florets.
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and allow it to get hot but not smoking. This is important because you want your vegetables to cook quickly without burning.
4. Add the chicken to the pan when the oil is heated. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon or spatula. The chicken should be pink inside and no longer pink on the outside, meaning it's fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan using tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate or cutting board to cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
6. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add minced garlic along with red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Return the chicken to the pan along with all your prepared vegetables. Stir-fry everything together over medium-high heat, adding 2 tablespoons of water during this process if needed to prevent sticking or burning. Cook for another 5 minutes stirring frequently so that everything gets well-combined and heated through.
8. Serve immediately garnished with chopped green onions and drizzled with the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Cooking Time & Serving Size

This dish can be prepared in approximately 25 minutes, including preparation time. It serves four people comfortably as a main course or six as part of a lighter meal with rice or noodles on the side.

Chicken stir-fry is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust this basic recipe by adding different types and amounts of vegetables based on your taste preferences, dietary needs (like including more leafy greens), or what you have available in your refrigerator.

For those looking to spice things up a bit, consider adding some fresh ginger, garlic, or chili peppers. You could also use soy sauce alternatives like tamari for a gluten-free version or hoisin sauce for extra sweetness. Adding some nuts or seeds can make this dish even more satisfying and crunchy.

Why Stir-Fry Is Such a Versatile Recipe

The beauty of stir-frying lies in its ability to cook ingredients quickly, preserving their natural flavors and nutrients while enhancing them with rich sauces and spices. This cooking method is particularly ideal for chicken because it locks in moisture, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender.

Stir-fried dishes are also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize according to your taste buds or dietary requirements. Whether you're a fan of spicy foods or prefer something milder, there's an option that suits everyone's palate within this simple yet flavorful dish.

Incorporating stir-fried chicken into your weekly menu can provide numerous health benefits too. With its lean protein content and high vegetable ratio, it contributes significantly towards maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall good health.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry

To ensure your stir-fried chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Start with a hot pan; cold oil can lead to greasy results.
• Fresh vegetables work best; frozen ones tend not to retain their crispness as well.
• Aim for even cooking by stirring frequently and ensuring all pieces get some contact with the heat source.
• If using soy sauce, make sure it's fresh and good quality as flavors can vary greatly between brands.

Remember, practice makes perfect. With each attempt at making chicken stir-fry, you'll refine your technique, discover new ways to enhance flavors, and ultimately develop a deeper appreciation for this delightful culinary tradition from the East.