Perfectly Balanced Chicken and Vegetables Stir-Fry

Keyword: chicken and vegetables stir-fry

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner that's packed with flavors and nutrients, then this Chicken and Vegetables Stir-Fry is the perfect choice. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, which allows you to have a meal ready in no time. You can easily serve this stir-fry with rice or noodles, depending on your preference. This recipe serves four people, so it's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 grams), sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for coating the chicken

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water for a thickening agent
• Few drops of sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken pieces with cornstarch and mix well to coat evenly. This will help the chicken become crispier when stir-fried.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut all vegetables into bite-sized pieces as mentioned above. Having them prepped beforehand makes the cooking process quicker and easier. You can also blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a minute or two to ensure it retains its color during stir-frying.

Step 3: Stir-Fry

Heat up your wok or large pan over high heat, adding enough oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon.

Add more oil if necessary, then sauté the garlic and ginger for about 15 seconds or until fragrant. Next, throw in the onions and stir-fry until they start to soften. Add all the vegetables one by one while continuing to stir-fry them thoroughly after each addition.

Once all veggies are added and have been sautéed for a couple of minutes, return the chicken back into the pan along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Toss everything together until heated through evenly. Now is when you add your sauce mixture: mix soy sauce (optional), oyster sauce, dissolved cornstarch, and sesame oil into a small bowl, then pour it all over the ingredients in the wok.

Stir continuously for another minute or two to ensure the sauce coats every bite of chicken and vegetables. If needed, adjust seasoning according to your taste buds. A dash more soy sauce could make things just right!

Tips & Variations

To vary this basic recipe, consider adding different proteins like shrimp instead of chicken or tofu for a plant-based option. You can also experiment with various vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even some spinach to keep the dish exciting and nutritious.

For those who enjoy spicier dishes, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing your garlic and ginger at the beginning. For something sweeter, a touch of honey can transform this stir-fry into an entirely different culinary experience!

Conclusion

Chicken and Vegetables Stir-Fry is an essential part of any balanced meal plan due to its versatility and nutritional value. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients combined in such a simple yet satisfying dish.