Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be prepared in no time and served as a satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether you're looking for a quick meal or something to serve with friends, this recipe is sure to please the whole family. The rich flavors from the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chicken provide an authentic taste experience without the need for hours of preparation.

One of the most popular keywords in food recipes is quick weeknight dinners. If you're looking for something simple yet delicious that won't take too long to prepare, this dish fits perfectly into that category. You can have it on your table in under an hour and enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
3. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
6. 1 red bell pepper, sliced
7. 1 yellow onion, cut into thin slices
8. 1 cup broccoli florets
9. 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (optional)
10. Salt to taste
11. 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water for a thickening sauce
12. Cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch with water to form your thickening sauce. Set both aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for about one minute until fragrant, then remove from heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook Chicken. Return the pan to high heat and add chicken strips in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Sear for approximately two minutes before flipping them over. Continue cooking on the other side until the chicken is fully cooked (no pink inside). Remove from the wok and set aside with garlic-ginger mixture.

Step 4: Stir Vegetables. Reduce heat to medium-low, add sliced red bell pepper along with a little bit more oil if needed. Cook vegetables for about three minutes until they turn bright and crisp-tender but not overcooked. Add in the onions and cook an additional two minutes or so until translucent. Mix in the chicken back into the pan.

Step 5: Sauce. Pour in the soy sauce mixture along with the broth (if using). Stir continuously to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before bringing it to a boil. The sauce will coat all of your ingredients nicely and give them a glossy shine when done properly. Cook for an extra minute or two until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve. Once the stir-fry has thickened, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions as desired. Taste and add salt if necessary before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

This dish is not only quick but also packed full of flavor. The key to success lies in getting all your ingredients ready beforehand so you don’t waste time waiting while the chicken cooks. Additionally, making sure there’s no excess water when adding vegetables can help prevent splattering during cooking.

Health Benefits:

• Vitamin B6 found in chicken aids in metabolism and helps convert carbohydrates into usable energy
• Broccoli is rich in vitamins K and C, both beneficial for bone health and skin repair respectively.
• The use of soy sauce provides protein while keeping the dish low calorie thanks to its sodium content
• Red bell peppers are high in antioxidants which support overall immune system function

This simple yet impressive Chicken Stir-Fry can be paired with various sides like steamed vegetables, noodles, or rice. For a different twist, consider adding sliced carrots or snap peas for added crunch and color. Experimenting with sauces such as peanut sauce could also elevate this dish further.

With just 30 minutes of active cooking time, you can prepare a delicious meal that’s ready in no time. Serve it hot from the wok for maximum flavor – it's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy yet tasty! This versatile recipe serves four people comfortably and can easily be doubled if you're hosting guests or having leftovers for lunches throughout the week.