Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner Option

Chicken stir-fry is a popular meal that combines chicken with a variety of vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and can be customized according to personal taste preferences. This recipe serves four people and takes about 20 minutes of active cooking time.

To get started, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow onion
• 3 carrots
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or cooking spray
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/2 cup water for the sauce

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Slice the red bell pepper and yellow onion into thin strips. Peel the carrots and cut them into matchsticks. Mince the garlic cloves.

In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and chicken broth until smooth. Set aside this mixture as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Heat up your wok or large frying pan on high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan and swirl it around so that all parts of the pan are coated with oil.

Add in the chicken breasts and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok using tongs or a slotted spoon, and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat.

Return the vegetables to the hot pan. Stir-fry them until they begin to soften but still retain some crispness – approximately 3-4 minutes for carrots, 2-3 minutes for onions, and less time for red peppers.

In a small bowl, combine all of your sauces: soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and the cornstarch mixture. Whisk until smooth to ensure there are no clumps left behind.

Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly so that each piece gets coated evenly with the flavorful sauce. Let it bubble for a minute before adding back in your already cooked chicken pieces from earlier. Toss gently until all components are well combined again – just about 1 more minute is sufficient.

Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired. Garnish with some chopped green onions for added color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes total prep time (15 minutes active cooking).
• Servings: Serves four generously.
• Variations: You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas as desired based on what you have available and like best.

The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment with different ingredients while maintaining its core elements. Whether you’re looking for something simple yet satisfying for a weeknight meal or want to impress friends at your next gathering, chicken stir-fry is always a hit! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and finding what works best for you.

Chicken stir-fry can be paired well with various accompaniments such as brown rice, noodles, quinoa, or even naan bread. It’s also great served with steamed broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.

The key to making a delicious chicken stir-fry lies not only in the quality of your ingredients but also in proper timing and technique during preparation. Keep an eye on your food as it cooks; it should be crisp yet tender, bright with color, and bursting with flavor!