Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Quick and Healthy Meal

Looking for a quick and easy way to whip up a delicious dinner that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than our Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe! This versatile dish is packed with flavor, rich in nutrients, and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Ideal for a weeknight meal or as a side dish, this stir-fry can be easily customized based on your preferred ingredients.

This article provides you with all the necessary steps to make a Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry at home. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or a heartier option, our recipe caters to different tastes and dietary requirements.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 cups mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Salt to taste
Peanut or vegetable oil for cooking
Garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and sliced almonds

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Stir until smooth.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil and allow it to get hot but not smoking.
Add the sliced chicken strips and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
Now, add your choice of mixed vegetables to the wok. Stir-fry these until they start to soften but still retain their vibrant colors, typically about 3-4 minutes.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the chicken strips back into the pan along with soy sauce and sugar. Toss everything together for another couple of minutes.
Sprinkle in the cornstarch mixture while continuously stirring so that it thickens the sauce nicely. Cook until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken.
Season with salt as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish your stir-fry with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and sliced almonds for extra flavor and color.

How to Cook It: Time and Servings

Cooking time for this Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is approximately 30 minutes. You can easily scale the recipe according to how many people you want to serve; one pound of chicken breasts typically serves two to three individuals, depending on portion size.

Why Choose This Recipe?

This dish is perfect for those days when you're short on time but still desire a nutritious meal. It’s incredibly versatile and can be adjusted based on what vegetables or herbs you have in your refrigerator. Plus, it's an excellent way to use up any leftover chicken from earlier meals.

Health Benefits

The Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry provides various health benefits due to the rich combination of lean protein (chicken) and colorful vegetables packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating this type of meal regularly can contribute positively towards maintaining a balanced diet that supports overall well-being.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers after dinner, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave on low power until heated through while stirring occasionally so it stays evenly warm throughout. Alternatively, you can also pan-fry the stir-fry again over medium heat with minimal oil for about 5 minutes or until hot and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry! It’s a tasty and nutritious option that's sure to please all ages. With its simplicity and versatility, this dish is guaranteed to become one of your favorite quick meals.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor: Consider adding some fresh ginger or chili peppers for heat according to taste preference.
Varying vegetable options: Try substituting any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas work well but feel free to experiment!
Tips for a balanced meal: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles as an accompaniment to round out your meal.