Homemade Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

Looking for a quick and tasty meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? Try this homemade chicken stir-fry recipe. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste buds, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
1 tsp garlic paste (or 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic)
1/4 cup natural light cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil (optional, if you want to add flavor and richness)
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 carrot, peeled and julienned
3-4 green onions, sliced diagonally
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
Salt to taste (optional)
Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Mix the chicken strips with soy sauce and garlic paste. Let it marinate in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch into water to create a slurry to thicken the sauce later on.
Heat up your cooking pan over medium heat. Pour the vegetable or peanut oil if using.
Once it's hot enough, add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they are cooked through (about 5-6 minutes).
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. Wipe any excess fat or oil in the pan if needed.
Add broccoli florets, carrot, green onions, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Pour back the cooked chicken into the pan. Mix well with the vegetables. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
Add in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding salt or soy sauce.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles of your choice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for extra flavor.

Benefits and Nutritional Value

This homemade chicken stir-fry is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that can contribute to a healthier diet. Chicken provides protein, which aids in muscle growth and repair, while vegetables like broccoli and carrots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Customization Tips

For added protein, consider adding tofu instead of chicken.
To increase the vegetable content, add more vegetables such as snow peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or chili sauce to your stir-fry.
For a rich and creamy taste, try adding a small amount of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Cooking Time and Serving Size

This dish takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and serves four people. It can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs. The chicken stir-fry is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as part of a larger meal, served with rice noodles, or even turned into a salad by tossing it in mixed greens.

Conclusion

A homemade chicken stir-fry is a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone in the family will love. Its quick preparation time and ability to accommodate various flavors make it an excellent choice for busy individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe offers endless possibilities for creating exciting new combinations of ingredients.