Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick & Healthy Meal

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that has become synonymous with quick and easy home-cooked meals. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed by anyone looking for something hearty yet light on the side of your plate. Whether you're in the mood for something simple or want to add some variety, chicken stir-fry fits perfectly into any weeknight meal plan.

Today's recipe features a quick and healthy chicken stir-fry that is easy to prepare with minimal effort. The cooking time required for this dish is approximately 30 minutes. It serves four people, making it perfect for a family dinner or as a side dish for your main course.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb/450g)
• 1 medium red pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small yellow onion, cut into thin slices
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cooking the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Place the seasoned chicken into the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until it is nicely browned and cooked through.

Remove the cooked chicken from the pan using tongs or a spatula and set aside on a plate while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

2. Cooking Vegetables: While your chicken cooks, get ready to stir-fry the vegetables. Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Once heated again, add in the sliced red pepper followed by the yellow onion and garlic cloves. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until these ingredients are slightly softened but not fully cooked.
3. Cooking Sauce: In a small bowl or ramekin, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, salt (optional), and pepper (if needed). Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir gently until the sauce thickens slightly – keep in mind it will continue to thicken as it cools down after cooking.
4. Combining Ingredients: Once your vegetables are tender, add back the sliced chicken breasts along with any accumulated juices from the plate into the skillet. Gently stir everything together so that all components come together beautifully.
5. Garnish and Serve: Finally, if desired, sprinkle some sesame seeds over top as garnish before serving hot straight out of the pan.

Tips for Success

When making this dish, here are a few tips that can help ensure you get perfect results every time:

1. Slicing the chicken correctly: Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips rather than cubes or thicker slices. Thinner pieces allow for even cooking and quicker penetration of flavors.
2. Cooking times: Be mindful not to overcook your chicken as it can become dry. For best texture, aim to keep the internal temperature around 165°F (74°C).
3. Adjust seasoning according to taste: Taste the stir-fry once everything is combined and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

This chicken stir-fry not only tastes great but also provides a balanced meal rich in protein and vegetables. It's simple enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough for experienced cooks who want to impress their families or friends with a home-cooked dinner.

Conclusion

A well-crafted chicken stir-fry recipe is an excellent way to enjoy delicious food without spending too much time in the kitchen. By following these straightforward steps, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious for your entire household. Try this simple yet tasty dish today; it just might become one of your go-to recipes!