Quick & Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a delicious and versatile meal that can be ready in minutes with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something simple yet satisfying, this recipe focuses on quick preparation and easy cooking methods to deliver great flavors. In this article, we will guide you through creating a tasty chicken stir-fry suitable for 4 servings.

The total cooking time for the dish is approximately 25 minutes, including marinating the chicken and preparing the vegetables. This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with protein and essential vitamins from the variety of ingredients used in this stir-fry recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper (julienned)
• 1 carrot (thinly sliced lengthwise then diagonally cut into matchsticks)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons ginger (grated)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for more umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Rice or noodles as a side dish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken. Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips. Place the sliced chicken in a bowl and add soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to it. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare vegetables. While waiting for the chicken to marinate, wash and cut all your vegetables as mentioned in the list above. Ensure they are ready for cooking before moving forward with the next step.

Step 3: Heat up oil. In a wok or large skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat until it becomes hot but not smoking. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Sauté garlic and ginger. Once the pan is heated, add minced garlic and grated ginger into the oil. Stir for a minute or two to allow them to release their aroma without burning.

Step 5: Add chicken strips and stir-fry. Carefully remove the marinated chicken from its marinade (discard any remaining liquid) and place it in the hot pan with garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside. It’s crucial not to overcrowd your wok as this could lead to steaming instead of searing, which affects the texture.

Step 6: Add vegetables and stir-fry further. After adding the chicken, toss in all prepared vegetables except for carrots. Continue stirring until everything starts turning bright colors indicating it’s almost cooked through.

Step 7: Final touch-ups & serving. Once your vegetables are just about done (they should still be slightly crunchy), add the carrot pieces and cook them for another minute or so. Finally, toss in the oyster sauce if desired for extra flavor. Taste-check and adjust seasoning accordingly before transferring everything onto plates. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Chicken stir-fry is incredibly flexible; feel free to experiment with different types of meat such as beef, shrimp, or even tofu depending on dietary preferences. Additionally, you can vary the vegetables based on what's available and liked by your family members. Don't hesitate to try out new combinations!

To make this dish more substantial or adaptable for various tastes, consider serving it over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa if you prefer grains instead of noodles. Alternatively, adding some fresh cilantro leaves at the end can give the stir-fry an exotic touch.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures making it one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. Whether you're looking for something healthy yet indulgent or just want to impress guests with your cooking skills, this dish delivers on all fronts. Its simplicity makes it accessible even for beginners in culinary arts, ensuring everyone enjoys a mouthwatering meal.