How to Make Delicious Homemade Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is a popular choice for those looking for quick and easy meals that can be served with rice or noodles. This versatile dish can be customized to suit various tastes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet healthy.

This recipe offers a simple guide on how to prepare an authentic homemade chicken stir-fry. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, and the preparation time will take around 15 minutes, resulting in a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish for a satisfying meal that serves four people.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so that the chicken pieces are well coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

While you're waiting, prepare your vegetables by slicing them into appropriate sizes as listed above. This step ensures that all ingredients will cook evenly when stir-fried together.

1. Heat up a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat until it's smoking hot. Add vegetable oil to the pan and swirl around to coat the surface evenly. Once the oil is sufficiently heated, add half of the chicken pieces into the wok. Stir-fry quickly for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
2. Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and place it aside on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken if necessary, making sure not to overcrowd your pan which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying.
3. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers into the wok along with a little more vegetable oil if needed. Stir-fry these vegetables until they start becoming tender but still crisp; this usually takes around 3-4 minutes depending on their freshness.
4. Return the cooked chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together briskly over high heat for another minute or so to warm through and combine all flavors nicely.

Once done, remove from stove top and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired as they add extra freshness and color contrast against other ingredients.

Additional Tips & Variations

• To make it healthier: Reduce the amount of oil used during cooking by choosing heart-healthy alternatives like avocado oil or adding a touch more chicken breast meat instead of using boneless thighs which tend to be fattier.
• For extra flavor: Consider incorporating other proteins such as shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu; this also makes the dish more interesting and filling. You could even mix in some zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and nutritional value.

The key to a successful chicken stir-fry lies not only in proper technique but also understanding that this dish should be enjoyed hot! Serve immediately alongside steamed jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with fresh herbs if preferred. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!