Delicious Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry, a quick and easy meal that is popular among busy cooks who desire tasty results without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This versatile dish can be prepared with various ingredients, making it adaptable to your taste preferences. It's not only delicious but also relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save on their grocery bills.

The cooking time required is around 20 minutes from the start of preparation until everything is well combined in a single skillet or wok. It serves approximately four people as a main course. This recipe accommodates most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegetarian options with simple adjustments.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken breast (about 400 grams), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or any cooking oil as preferred
• Cooking wine (optional)

Steps

1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce with cornstarch. This mixture acts as a thickening agent for your stir-fry and should be used immediately.
2. Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to it. Once the oil is hot, add chicken pieces ensuring they are covered in cooking oil. Stir-fry until they turn golden brown. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd your pan as this could lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
3. Add sliced onions and minced garlic into the skillet or wok, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the onions start becoming translucent.
4. Throw in chopped red bell peppers. Continue to stir-fry for about 2 more minutes, or until all vegetables are just beginning to soften.
5. Now pour the soy sauce mixture over everything and add cooking wine if desired (this enhances the flavor but is optional). Stir thoroughly so that every component of your dish gets coated with the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a minute or two until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. To check for doneness, ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from heat immediately if you prefer your food less tender. Adjust seasoning according to personal preference by adding salt and pepper accordingly.

Benefits & Tips

This recipe is not just about flavor; it also brings several health benefits including protein-rich components which are essential for muscle repair, growth, and recovery after workouts. Chicken itself contributes a fair amount of these nutrients while vegetables offer vitamins C and A along with dietary fiber.

• Time-saving: One advantage of this dish is how quickly it can be prepared; all you need is 20 minutes including preparation time.
• Taste satisfaction: Another perk lies in its delicious taste that can satisfy both adults and children alike.
• Variety options: Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli florets or even zucchini depending upon what you have on hand. You could also vary the type of meat used - try strips of beef instead of chicken if preferred.

To ensure your stir-fry stays warm and fresh during serving time, consider keeping it covered lightly with aluminum foil while waiting for everyone to sit down. Additionally, serving with steamed rice or noodles amplifies its appeal even further!