Perfectly Balanced: A Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a staple in many households around the world. It's a quick and easy meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a healthy dinner or want something hearty, chicken stir-fry checks all the right boxes! In this article, we'll walk through how to prepare a simple yet flavorful dish, complete with cooking time and number of servings.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Stir-Fry

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs - sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for thickening the sauce
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce as a base seasoning
• 1 tablespoon each of oyster sauce and fish sauce (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to enhance the flavor
• Cilantro or spring onions for garnishing, optional
• Olive oil or another neutral cooking oil
• Various vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, celery - cut into bite-sized pieces. The choice of veggies is flexible; feel free to include whatever you like.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prepare Chicken Stir-Fry

Marinating the chicken: Start by marinating your chicken strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and adds a slightly chewy texture to the meat. Let this mixture sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes but not more than an hour so that flavors can meld together properly.

Cooking vegetables: While you wait, prepare your choice of fresh vegetables. Lightly stir-fry these with a bit of olive oil until they turn bright and glossy without overcooking them. This will ensure the vegetables are tender-crisp when combined with the chicken. Typically, this should take about 5 minutes.

Stir-frying the chicken: Heat up your wok or large frying pan using high heat once everything is ready. Add a generous amount of olive oil and carefully add the marinated chicken strips. Stir continuously to avoid clumping. Once the chicken is done (it should be golden brown), set it aside.

Sauce preparation: In another pan, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, fish sauce, and a small amount of water into a saucepan. Bring everything to a boil until thickened, then reduce heat to simmer gently for about 2 minutes longer.

Mixing together: Finally, return the stir-fried chicken to the pan containing the seasoned vegetables. Pour in your freshly made sauce and toss well ensuring that all pieces of food are covered in it. Allow another minute or two for the flavors to come together completely before turning off the heat.

Garnishing: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced spring onions, or any other garnishes you fancy. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken stir-fry!

Why Choose Chicken Stir-Fry?

The appeal of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its adaptability. You can add different vegetables based on what's available at the grocery store, change up the spices according to personal preference, or even experiment with various types of protein like shrimp or beef. Plus, it's incredibly versatile; you could pair your stir-fry with rice or noodles depending on whether you prefer a light meal or something heartier.

Health Benefits

A balanced chicken stir-fry made without too much oil and salt can be quite healthy. The lean protein content in the chicken promotes muscle growth, while various vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for good health. However, always use fresh ingredients and moderate your intake of sauces to keep the dish nutritious.

Conclusion: A well-prepared chicken stir-fry offers convenience, taste, and flexibility. By following these straightforward steps and tips, you can create a meal that satisfies both family members and yourself. So try this recipe today, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of fresh, homemade stir-fry!

Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best results. Happy cooking!