Easy Chicken Stir-Fry: A Simple Yet Delicious Meal

Chicken stir-fry is a popular and versatile dish that can be prepared quickly using simple ingredients. Whether you're looking for a weekday dinner or want to impress guests, this recipe will guide you through creating a tasty and healthy meal.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, including preparation and cleanup. You will need just four servings of the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cooking the chicken: Start by marinating the chicken strips in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, prepare all your vegetables. Slice them into even pieces so they cook evenly. Set aside on a plate or cutting board.
3. Heat oil and stir-fry: Heat up some vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add aromatics and vegetables: Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Stir for a minute until fragrant. Then toss in the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots. Cook these until they just begin to soften, around 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix everything together: Once all ingredients are partially cooked but still retain their crispness, return the chicken to the pan. Toss well ensuring that everything gets coated with sauce.
6. Serve immediately: Season with salt if needed and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles of your choice.

Tips for Success

Cooking time: Timing is crucial when stir-frying to ensure the vegetables don't become soggy while the chicken remains tender and juicy.

• Ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting to cook. This helps streamline preparation, making it easier to manage timing.
• Use high heat for cooking. Lower temperatures can lead to overcooking which affects both flavor and texture negatively.
• The secret to a perfect stir-fry is the right amount of stirring. Keep moving the ingredients around frequently so each piece gets heated evenly.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Approximately 300 calories, with about 50 grams of protein from the chicken and fiber from vegetables contributing to a balanced meal. Stir-frying is generally low in fat compared to other cooking methods like frying or grilling.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry offers an easy yet impressive culinary solution that caters well to those seeking convenience without sacrificing taste and nutrition. Its adaptability allows for endless variations depending on what vegetables you have on hand, making it a go-to dish for any season or occasion.

To enhance your experience, try experimenting with different sauces such as hoisin sauce or even a light peanut sauce for extra flavor. Always remember to adjust the seasoning based on individual preferences; some might enjoy a little more heat from chili flakes while others prefer milder dishes.