Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Chicken stir-fry with vegetables is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round and paired with various side dishes to create a balanced meal. This quick-to-prepare recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers an array of health benefits, thanks to its rich vegetable content and lean protein source.

To prepare this chicken stir-fry, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Begin by preparing the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and mix in two tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari), ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated.

Add one teaspoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce as you stir-fry it along with the vegetables. Coat the chicken thoroughly so there is no dryness when cooking later on. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes; however, longer marination will enhance its flavor even more.

While the chicken marinates, prepare your vegetables by slicing them into appropriate sizes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly. Slice the bell pepper into strips that are about an inch in length, julienne the carrots for a nice texture contrast when cooked, and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.

Once all ingredients are prepared, heat up three tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in your wok or large skillet. The key to getting the perfect stir-fry is using high heat, which allows you to quickly sear the chicken and vegetables without letting them get soggy. Once the oil is hot enough, add the marinated chicken pieces carefully so they don't stick together.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes until no longer pink inside. Use tongs or a spatula to turn over occasionally while cooking. Once cooked through, set aside the chicken and keep warm.

Reduce heat slightly to medium before adding two cloves of minced garlic to the wok. Stir-fry garlic until fragrant, which usually takes about 30 seconds. Then add all the vegetables – first the carrot strips followed by the bell pepper slices and finally the broccoli florets. Stir-fry everything together for around 5-7 minutes or until they become tender-crisp.

Return the chicken to the wok with the vegetables; mix well and let it simmer for another minute or two depending on how much sauce you prefer. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary – adding more soy sauce, salt, pepper according to your preference. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds over top before serving hot.

Chicken stir-fry with vegetables is a meal that can be served immediately after preparation. It typically takes approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep time for the chicken and vegetables. This dish serves four people generously and makes great leftovers too!

Enjoy this versatile dish which pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. For those looking to vary flavors, consider experimenting by adding different proteins like shrimp instead of chicken, using other types of sauces such as hoisin sauce, or including additional vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Conclusion

A homemade chicken stir-fry with vegetables offers an economical yet tasty meal option that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Its flexibility allows for endless variations and customization to suit individual preferences, making it a popular choice among busy home cooks seeking convenient yet delicious meals.