Simple Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Keyword: simple chicken stir-fry

This simple chicken stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s not only delicious but also rich in nutrients thanks to the fresh vegetables and lean protein from the chicken. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or even as part of your lunchbox.

The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, which includes marinating the chicken and stir-frying the ingredients together. If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the dish in advance up until the point where you add the vegetables and finish it off with the sauce just before serving.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together garlic, vegetables of your choice (in this case, green bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms), and any other ingredients you prefer such as onions or cabbage if available. Toss them lightly to combine.
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it is shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken turns opaque and starts to brown slightly on all sides. The goal here is to cook the chicken thoroughly but not let it become overcooked.
Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the skillet. If you'd like, you can set this aside for a moment or two while you finish up with the vegetables if they need more time in the pan to soften and cook through.
Return all ingredients back into the skillet. Stir-fry everything together until heated through and well combined. Taste it and add salt, pepper, soy sauce, or any other seasonings you prefer based on your taste buds.

Tips for Success

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of ginger to the marinade or stir-fry mixture. Fresh ginger can be grated and added along with garlic cloves in the mix.
If you prefer a more savory dish, increase the soy sauce amount slightly as it adds depth to your taste. Soy sauce also works well to balance out any sweetness from vegetables like carrots or bell peppers that may naturally have.
For those who enjoy spicier food, feel free to incorporate some chili pepper into either the marinade or right before serving for a bit of heat kick!

Storage and Leftovers

This dish stores well in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it back onto the stove top over low heat until heated through.

Any leftovers can also be repurposed into another meal such as cold soba noodles with some dressing or mixed into pasta salad with additional vegetables and light dressing for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This simple chicken stir-fry showcases how simple yet effective it is to create wholesome meals quickly without compromising on taste. By following these straightforward steps, you can enjoy a meal rich in nutrition that satisfies your hunger while providing energy throughout the day.

p>If you're looking for additional inspiration or ways to modify this recipe according to your dietary preferences—whether vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free—this versatile base allows for countless variations tailored specifically to suit individual tastes and lifestyles.