Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you're looking to impress your family with a tasty, homemade meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic spices makes it a healthy yet satisfying option. Let's dive into how to prepare this delectable recipe.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Olive oil or cooking spray, as needed
• Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

To start the process, prepare all of your ingredients. While the vegetables can be cut in advance, ensure that the chicken is sliced just before cooking.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside this mixture for the sauce.
2. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet, transferring it to a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped onion followed by the red bell pepper and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly softened but still vibrant in color.
6. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Return the chicken strips back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices on the plate. Continue cooking everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring all elements are heated through.
8. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over top as garnish before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic overnight.
• If you prefer less heat from your stir-fry, reduce or omit chili flakes if using them.
• To make this dish more substantial, serve it over cooked rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

The nutritional value may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. Here's a general idea of what one serving might look like:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Protein: 40 g

Conclusion

A well-prepared chicken stir-fry can be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Its adaptability allows you to customize it according to personal preferences and dietary needs, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Now that you have all the necessary steps and tips, try preparing this tasty dish at home. Enjoy every bite of this balanced chicken stir-fry!