Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner that’s easy to prepare? Try our Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry recipe! This dish combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables, served over a bed of fluffy rice. The result is a meal that satisfies your taste buds while providing essential nutrients.

Ingredients

For this stir-fry, you will need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into rings
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Rice cooking according to package instructions.

Instructions

To Prepare:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken strips with soy sauce or tamari and sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and red pepper flakes if using; stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken strips to the pan and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are no longer pink inside. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Return the pan to medium heat. Add red bell pepper and yellow onion slices. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften.
5. Return the chicken to the pan along with snap peas. Stir well, ensuring everything is well combined but not overcooked. Cook for another couple of minutes until the snap peas are slightly tender.
6. Plate your stir-fry and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare, including the chicken marination time. It serves 4 people as a main course.

Health Benefits of Chicken Stir-Fry

The Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry provides several health benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Packed with lean protein from chicken, this dish supports muscle growth and repair.
• Vitamin C Boost: Red bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C, which aids in immune function and skin health.
• Fiber Content: Snap peas contribute essential fiber that helps promote digestive health.
• Zinc from Chicken: Zinc is important for wound healing, immune function, and energy production.

Cooking Tips

To enhance your stir-fry experience:

• Use a high-quality wok or skillet to ensure even cooking of the ingredients.
• Ensure the chicken is sliced thin for quicker and more even cooking.
• Add a pinch of salt while marinating if you prefer a slightly salty taste in your dish.

If you are looking for variety, consider trying this dish with different proteins such as shrimp or tofu. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and substitute it with a protein source like tempeh or extra-firm tofu.

Conclusion

The Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry is more than just a tasty meal; it’s a nutritious one too! With its balance of proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet. Whether you're preparing it for a busy weeknight or serving it on your table during a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress everyone.