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

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that can be prepared in no time and suits any meal occasion—whether it's a busy weeknight or special dinner event. This versatile recipe provides a mix of flavors, making it perfect for anyone looking to spice up their cooking routine.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

Mix the sliced chicken strips, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Let this marinate for about 15 minutes.
In another pan or wok, heat up half of the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and sauté it in the preheated pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Set aside the cooked chicken on a plate.
Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining oil to the same pan along with garlic, onions, and bell pepper. Stir-fry them together for around 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft but not too mushy.
Add in the carrots and broccoli florets; continue stir-frying for another 4-5 minutes until all vegetables are cooked through (they should be tender-crisp).
Return the chicken to the pan. Add salt, pepper, and any optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
Let it simmer for another minute or two before removing from heat.

Tips & Variations:

To make this dish more nutritious, consider adding whole grains like brown rice or quinoa to serve alongside the stir-fry. This adds fiber and complex carbs without altering much of the taste.
For a sweeter version, add some honey when you bring everything together. Just remember not to overdo it as too much sweetness can overpower the other flavors in your dish.
If you prefer more robust flavors, substitute soy sauce with a darker variety like dark soy sauce which imparts a richer flavor and color.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350 kcal; Protein: 40g; Carbohydrates: 18g; Fat: 9g. This dish offers an excellent balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates which contribute to a fulfilling meal.

Conclusion:

This easy chicken stir-fry not only saves time but also enriches your culinary repertoire with a variety of textures and flavors. Whether you're feeding a family or preparing for yourself on a busy day, this recipe can be counted on as one of the go-to dishes in any home kitchen. Experimenting with different vegetables and marinades could lead to endless variations—keep trying new combinations until you find your perfect mix!