Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Meal for Your Weekly Menu

Chicken stir-fry is one of the most beloved dishes in various cuisines around the world. Whether you're a busy professional or a homemaker, this dish can be prepared quickly and efficiently with minimal effort. The chicken's texture paired with fresh vegetables makes it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

This recipe focuses on preparing a simple but delicious stir-fry that includes tender strips of chicken breast, mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, along with a savory soy-based sauce. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients vital to your daily diet.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes (Preparation: 15 minutes, Cooking: 15 minutes)

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: 400 grams
• Bell peppers: 1
• Broccoli florets: ½ cup
• Carrots: 3 (or to taste)
• Snap peas: ¾ cup
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Ginger, chopped: 1 teaspoon
• Cooked rice (optional): For serving

Instructions

To start with, season the chicken breast strips by lightly rubbing them with salt and pepper. Slice each breast into thin pieces so that they cook evenly.

While preparing the vegetables, wash all the vegetables thoroughly to ensure there are no dirt or sand in between the leaves. Cut bell peppers lengthwise into thin slices, chop carrots into small chunks, and trim broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Ensure snap peas are halved if you prefer a softer texture.

Heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add chicken strips to the pan. Stir-fry until they turn golden brown and fully cooked throughout (about 3-5 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate once done.

Now, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil into the same wok for cooking the vegetables. Add ginger and stir fry briefly until it becomes fragrant. Follow by adding bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, and snap peas into the pan. Stir-fry these ingredients for 3-4 minutes or until they become tender-crisp.

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with sugar until completely dissolved. Pour this mixture over the stir-fried vegetables in the wok. Toss everything together to coat well and allow it to cook through for another minute or two.

Return the chicken strips back into the wok along with any accumulated juices from their resting plate. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is heated through again. Taste your dish; adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or salt depending on personal preference.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
2. Pile it up in lettuce cups with additional toppings like sesame seeds and chili paste for a refreshing wrap.
3. Enjoy it as part of a platter alongside other vegetable dishes.

Tips:

• Select fresh vegetables that are firm yet crisp; they will enhance the texture and flavor of your dish.
• For extra heat, add sliced garlic or chili peppers to your stir-fry. Adjust according to taste.
• To make this dish more nutritious, consider adding a side salad with olive oil dressing for added freshness.

Chicken stir-fry is not only easy to prepare but also highly adaptable to various dietary preferences and restrictions such as being gluten-free or low-carb. By adjusting the ingredients, you can tailor the recipe to fit your needs perfectly while still enjoying its delicious taste.

The combination of protein from chicken and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals ensures that this dish is not just tasty but also beneficial for overall health. It's a perfect go-to option when time constraints are tight or when you want something fresh and satisfying after a long day at work.