Easy Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that has been enjoyed by many for its simplicity and versatility. This quick meal can be tailored to suit your taste preferences with different sauces, vegetables, and cooking styles. Here’s an easy recipe for you to try at home.

This chicken stir-fry comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even lunch when you're short on time. You can serve this dish over rice or noodles, depending on your preference. The yield is approximately four servings.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh grated ginger
• 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables of your choice (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the chicken. Mix soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl until well combined. Add the sliced chicken strips, tossing gently to coat evenly with the marinade. Allow this mixture to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the vegetables.

2. While your chicken is marinating, slice your chosen mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces if they are not already pre-cut. You may also add more or less depending on how much you like them in this dish.

3. Heat up a wok or large frying pan over medium heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Once it's hot, add the minced garlic followed by the ginger paste. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

4. Add the chicken strips into the wok; stir-fry vigorously for around one minute before adding the mixed vegetables. Continue stirring and tossing everything together briskly to ensure that each piece gets coated with oil, garlic, ginger, and sauce. Cook this mixture until all ingredients are heated through.

5. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning if needed; add salt and pepper according to your preference. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving immediately hot over steamed rice or noodles of your choice.

Tip for Success

To make this recipe even more satisfying, you could consider trying various types of sauces such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or any other sweet and sour versions available in different markets. These add extra layers of flavor that can enhance your overall experience with every bite.

Another tip is to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked, which is crucial for food safety reasons especially if you plan on serving this dish to young children or elderly individuals who might be more vulnerable to illnesses caused by undercooked meat products.

Lastly, remember that stir-frying requires a high heat setting and constant stirring. If your pan starts smoking excessively, lower the flame slightly without stopping your cooking process as it will help control any potential fire hazards while maintaining the integrity of your dish.

Conclusion

This easy chicken stir-fry recipe is not only delightful to prepare but also offers a nutritious and delicious option for busy days. By following these simple steps, you can whip up something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different variations of this dish based on your own tastes.