Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Dinner Option

A popular dish in many households, chicken stir-fry is a versatile and quick-to-prepare meal that can be served with different sides such as rice or noodles. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy yet flavorful dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. The key ingredients needed are chicken breasts, vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. In this article, we will explore how to make a simple but delicious chicken stir-fry that serves four people.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Wash both the bell peppers and broccoli under running water until they are clean. Then slice the bell pepper into thin strips and cut the broccoli florets to smaller pieces if necessary.
2. Next, season the chicken breasts with salt to taste (optional). Cut each breast into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking and better texture when stir-fried.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, garlic, and minced ginger. Set aside this marinade as it will add flavor to your dish.
4. Heat up a wok or large skillet on high heat. Pour in about two tablespoons of vegetable oil into the pan once it’s hot enough to shimmer slightly but not smoke.
5. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry them until they are no longer pink inside, typically around 5 minutes depending on their thickness.
6. Once done, remove the chicken from the wok or skillet using a slotted spoon. Place it in one side of the pan while you continue cooking with the remaining ingredients.
7. Add half of the sliced bell peppers to the hot oil and stir-fry for about two minutes until they start turning bright red but still maintain their crisp texture. Then, add this mixture to your chicken in the other part of the pan.
8. Finally, toss all the vegetables including the broccoli florets along with the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier into the wok or skillet. Continue stirring continuously for another two minutes until everything is thoroughly heated through and well combined.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot. Optionally garnish your dish with sesame seeds, green onions, or fresh herbs like cilantro leaves right before eating.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes (excluding preparation time).

Servings: Serves 4 as a main course or can be paired with additional side dishes to stretch it further if needed.

Tips for Success

• To ensure even cooking, always cut your ingredients into uniform sizes and shapes. This helps prevent some parts from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
• For best results, use a non-stick wok or skillet coated with vegetable oil to reduce the risk of sticking during stir-frying.
• If you prefer less spicy food, you can minimize the amount of garlic and ginger used in the recipe. Alternatively, you could replace them entirely for milder flavors.

Chicken stir-fry is an excellent choice when you want something light yet satisfying on a busy evening. It’s also quite economical since it uses readily available ingredients like chicken breasts which can be purchased inexpensively compared to other proteins. Plus, the variety of vegetables allows you flexibility depending upon what's freshest and cheapest at your local grocery store.

Experiment with different combinations of spices or add new veggies to suit your taste buds. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe offers endless opportunities for creativity within its simple framework. By following these steps carefully and making minor adjustments based on personal preference, you'll soon find yourself creating delicious meals that bring joy not only to yourself but also to those around the table.