Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is one of the most popular dishes in many households around the world. This versatile dish can be customized to suit almost any taste preference and dietary requirement. It's also a quick meal that can be prepared within 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.

This recipe serves four people and requires minimal preparation time. You’ll need approximately 25 minutes of active cooking time to prepare the dish, along with a few minutes for marinating the chicken before cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free option)
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water in a bowl. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the garlic and ginger. Toss until coated well. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.

3. Heat up your wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the olive oil. Swirl the pan around so that all areas are evenly coated with the oil.

4. Add chicken pieces into the pan and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they start to turn opaque. Remove them from the wok or pan using a slotted spoon, setting aside in a plate.

5. Return the wok or pan to medium heat if needed. Add bell peppers and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright and tender-crisp.

6. Pour the marinade mixture over the stir-fried chicken and vegetables in the pan. Toss everything together well and cook for another minute or two, ensuring that the sauce thickens properly by stirring continuously.

7. Return the chicken pieces to the wok or pan. Stir gently until all ingredients are heated through and the sauce coats them evenly.

8. Serve your chicken stir-fry hot with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a topping for sandwiches if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as broccoli florets or mushrooms instead. You could also use tofu or tempeh in its place for a plant-based version.
• Fully cooked: For a fully-cooked stir-fry, cook the chicken through until done before adding it back to the wok with the other ingredients.
• Cooking time: The total cooking process should take around 25 minutes. This includes marinating the chicken and cooking all components thoroughly.

This recipe not only offers a delightful mix of flavors but also provides essential nutrients such as protein from chicken, vitamins A and C from the carrots and peppers, and antioxidants present in fresh ginger. By adjusting ingredient quantities or adding new elements, you can make this dish more exciting for both kids and adults alike.

To enhance its appeal further, consider garnishing your stir-fry with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. It adds a refreshing herbal note to complement the savory sauce and rich chicken flavors beautifully. Serve it alongside plain rice or noodles as accompaniment; this dish is equally delicious either way!