Easy Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry Recipe

The chicken and veggie stir-fry has become a favorite among busy families for its versatility and ease of preparation. This versatile dish can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add healthy, quick meals into their weekday routine. In this article, we will provide you with a simple recipe that ensures your family enjoys a delicious and nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cups mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

To begin with, you will need to prepare the chicken and vegetables. Rinse the vegetables under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips, slice carrots into matchsticks, and cut broccoli and snap peas into bite-sized pieces.

Next, take out a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once it is warm enough to shimmer, carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet with tongs and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

In the same pan where you fried the chicken, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add minced garlic cloves and stir-fry until fragrant but not burnt – about 1 minute. Then, toss in your mixed vegetables and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.

Once everything is cooked to perfection, return the chicken pieces back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in soy sauce and season it with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Allow all components of the dish to warm up together briefly before serving immediately.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe serves 4 people for dinner, taking around 20 minutes to prepare. It’s a perfect meal option when you need something quick yet satisfying!

Health Benefits of Stir-Fry Chicken and Veggie Recipe

• Nutrient-rich vegetables: Adding colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas provides essential vitamins like vitamin C and A.
• Fiber content: The inclusion of fiber from the mixed vegetables aids digestion while also helping manage blood sugar levels.
• Protein boost: Packed with lean protein from chicken breast, this dish supports muscle growth and maintenance.

Variations & Substitutes for a Customized Dish

If you want to try something new or cater the dish better according to your taste buds, here are some variations:

1. Swap the chicken: You can use tofu instead of chicken if you’re looking to make this vegetarian or vegan.
2. Different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other seasonal veggies like cauliflower florets or sugar snap peas depending on what’s available locally and in your fridge.
3. Sweeten it up: Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating honey, tamari sauce, or even hoisin sauce into the mixture towards the end of cooking time for an extra flavor kick!

A chicken and veggie stir-fry is not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s also about enjoying a healthy meal packed with nutrients. With minimal preparation effort required and so many ways to personalize this dish, everyone in your household will surely appreciate the simplicity yet satisfaction of this recipe.