How to Make Delicious Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick and healthy dinner option? Try this tasty Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something nutritious yet satisfying. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people.

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 carrots, julienned
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• Peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

First, prepare your chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until it forms a smooth paste. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly.

In another small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and seasonings to taste. Set aside for later use as a stir-fry sauce.

Heat up a large wok or a wide skillet over medium-high heat until it's hot. Add the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil used earlier. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the marinated chicken strips and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.

Now it's time to prepare your vegetables for stir-frying. In the same wok or skillet, add more oil if necessary. Add the sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers into the hot wok. Stir-fry them for about 3 minutes until they start becoming tender but still crisp.

Once your vegetables are partially cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to enhance the flavor of the dish. Sauté these for another minute before adding the broccoli florets. Continue stirring continuously while cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until all vegetables reach their desired tenderness.

Meanwhile, pour in the reserved sauce over the stir-frying mixture and let it cook together for about a minute to allow everything to blend well and thicken slightly due to the cornstarch used earlier. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the wok along with any juices that have been released during cooking. Mix thoroughly until all components are well combined.

To finish off, sprinkle some peanuts or sesame seeds over the top for added crunchiness if preferred. Serve immediately while still hot so everyone enjoys their meal at its peak freshness and flavor. This dish goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce left in the pan.

This Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe not only provides a satisfying main course but also offers various health benefits thanks to its rich array of vegetables. It’s particularly beneficial for those looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins like chicken into their diets while keeping portions lean. Moreover, stir-fries are generally considered healthier than fried dishes because they use less oil and maintain most of the nutrients intact compared to deep-frying methods.

If you're thinking about meal prepping, this recipe is especially convenient as each component can be prepared in advance—just reheat when ready to serve. Alternatively, leftovers make excellent lunches too; simply place them between slices of bread or wrap them up for a quick grab-and-go option during busy weekdays.

For added variety, feel free to experiment by adding different types of vegetables such as mushrooms, green beans, or snap peas. You could also try substituting chicken with tofu or shrimp for a change if you prefer more plant-based meals or wish to include other proteins in your diet.

The key takeaway is that this Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry provides an easy yet rewarding culinary experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Its versatility allows you to tweak the ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary requirements while maintaining its core appeal—flavorful, nourishing, and incredibly quick to prepare.

With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients found in most pantries, you can create this delightful dish at home any time. Whether you're seeking a balanced meal for yourself or looking forward to sharing it with friends and family, this recipe promises to be both enjoyable and nourishing every single bite.