Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by almost everyone. This popular dish features tender chicken strips paired with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots in a savory sauce. Stir-fries are not only quick to prepare but also provide an excellent balance of flavors and textures. They make for a satisfying main course or side dish.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Servings: This recipe yields about 4 servings.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, you will need to prepare all of the vegetables. Wash and slice them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Set aside the broccoli florets until later in preparation.

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as your stir-fry’s sauce and thickener.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cooking Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they are no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, prepare your vegetables by adding them to the skillet in stages: First, add the sliced carrots and cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften slightly but still retain their vibrant color. Next, toss in the red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper along with a pinch of salt; stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes or until these are tender-crisp.
3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet alongside any juices that have collected. Pour in your sauce mixture and let it simmer while stirring gently, allowing about 2 more minutes for everything to come together nicely – ensuring each ingredient absorbs some of the tasty sauce.
4. Finihing Touches: Once the dish has been allowed enough time to thicken slightly, garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. Serve this Chicken Stir-Fry over rice or noodles according to your preference; it pairs wonderfully well with both options!

Tips for Success

The key to making the best Chicken Stir-Fry lies in achieving a balance between cooking times and ingredients. Ensure that your chicken is cooked through but still juicy, while vegetables remain crisp yet tender enough to complement the texture of the meat without overpowering it.

Feel free to experiment with different types of sauces or spices to suit your taste buds. Some additional flavors like sesame oil or chili flakes can enhance this classic dish further.

Nutritional Information

This Chicken Stir-Fry is a healthy choice for dinner, providing essential nutrients such as protein from the chicken, vitamins and minerals from various vegetables, along with trace amounts of fat depending on cooking methods used. To keep calories down, consider using lower-fat alternatives like olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry remains a go-to favorite among home cooks because it is simple yet flavorful. By following these easy steps and tips provided here, you too can create a delicious homemade version that will impress family members and friends alike at your next mealtime gathering.