Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Quick Meal

Are you looking for a tasty chicken stir-fry recipe? This article will guide you through making a delicious meal that is both quick to prepare and packed with flavors. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this dish can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Chicken Stir-Fry

• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced (or use thighs for a richer flavor)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Ginger for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare Chicken Stir-Fry:

To start your stir-fry, begin by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch. This mixture helps thicken the sauce and tenderizes the meat.

While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables: wash them thoroughly and cut into appropriate sizes so that they cook evenly. Broccoli florets can be blanched for a couple of minutes to ensure even cooking when combined with the stir-fried ingredients later on.

In a separate bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce along with a little bit of water or chicken broth (this makes it more liquidy and easier to incorporate into the final dish). Add in ginger if desired. This sauce will be used at the end for extra flavor but also helps thicken the stir-fry.

Heat up your wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, quickly sauté the garlic until fragrant, about a minute. Be careful not to burn it as this could spoil the dish's flavor.

Add in the chicken pieces and stir-fry for around three minutes, allowing them to brown slightly on all sides. During this time, toss frequently ensuring even cooking.

Once done, push any remaining oil to one side of the pan using a spatula. Now add the vegetables (broccoli first if blanched) into the hot wok or pan in batches so they cook through without becoming soggy. Stir-fry them for about two minutes before mixing back with the chicken.

Now it’s time to add your sauce! Pour half of the prepared soy mixture over everything while stirring rapidly; this ensures all parts get coated properly. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, which should take another minute or so.

To serve, divide between plates and garnish with sliced green onions and ginger. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful chicken stir-fry!

Tips & Variations:

• If you like your dish spicier, consider adding chili flakes or some diced fresh chilli peppers towards the end of cooking.
• You could also include other vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, bell peppers, and more based on availability and preference.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu cubes. Marinate them similarly to the meat before adding to the stir-fry along with firm tofu that has been pressed to remove excess moisture.

This simple yet delicious recipe demonstrates how versatile chicken can be when paired with various vegetables and sauces in a quick stir-fry style. It’s not only perfect for busy weeknights but also serves well as part of a larger meal spread or even enjoyed solo if you're short on company! With minimal prep time needed, this dish promises to become one favorite staple among your go-to recipes.