Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Healthy Meal

Chicken stir-fry is a popular meal that many people enjoy due to its versatility and quick preparation time. It can be made with various ingredients, but the basic version uses chicken breast, vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, and some simple seasoning. If you're looking for a tasty, healthy recipe that won't take up too much of your evening, this is it!

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small strips)
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cups mixed vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt to taste (optional)
Paprika for garnish (optional)

Steps to Make Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

To make this delicious stir-fry, you will need a wok or large frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken strips. Cook until they are golden brown on both sides; about 5 minutes.

In the meantime, slice your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon and place it in a bowl. Reserve the cooking oil in the wok for further use.

Next, add the minced garlic to the same pan used earlier. Stir-fry until you smell the aroma of garlic; about 30 seconds. Then, mix in the vegetables. Cook them just enough so that they remain crisp-tender but not overcooked; approximately 4 minutes depending on their freshness.

Return the chicken pieces back into the wok along with soy sauce and salt (if desired). Mix everything together well. Let it cook for another couple of minutes until all components are heated through fully.

Finally, transfer the stir-fry mixture to a serving dish and garnish with paprika if you prefer some extra color contrast. Serve immediately while hot so that everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish right away!

Tips & Variations

Preparation Tips: To save time, consider buying pre-cut chicken strips or precut veggies at your local grocery store.
You could also add more protein by incorporating tofu, shrimp, or pork instead of just using chicken.
If you like it spicy, incorporate some chili flakes or red pepper flakes into the stir-fry for extra heat.

Chicken stir-fry is an excellent choice if you're looking to prepare a nutritious meal quickly. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and colorful vegetables makes this dish both delicious and healthy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile - you can experiment with different seasonings or add new ingredients based on what you have available.

Health Benefits

Eating chicken stir-fry regularly has numerous health benefits due to its low calorie count when compared to red meat while providing essential nutrients like iron and zinc found in poultry products. Additionally, the presence of fruits and vegetables ensures that this dish provides various vitamins and minerals beneficial for overall wellness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, easy chicken stir-fry is a simple yet satisfying recipe perfect for busy weeknights or even as part of your weekend meal plans when you want something quick but flavorful. By following these straightforward steps outlined above, anyone can create this delightful dish at home. Whether served alone over rice or paired with noodles, it serves up wonderfully as an appetizer or main course.