Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Dinner for Busy Nights

Chicken stir-fry is a popular and versatile dish that can be prepared quickly with minimal effort. Whether you're looking to whip up something delicious for the family or impress dinner guests, this recipe offers an easy way to create a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when time is of the essence, yet you still want to provide nourishing and tasty food.

For a typical serving size, this stir-fry makes approximately four servings. The cooking process is straightforward and involves minimal prep work. You'll need about 20-30 minutes from start to finish, depending on how quickly you can chop your vegetables and get everything heated up.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced into strips)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Shred the carrots, chop the onion, and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Set these aside in separate bowls.

In a large skillet or wok, heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the sliced chicken breasts or thighs to the pan. Stir-fry them until they're no longer pink inside and are golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Reduce the heat slightly and add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Now, throw in the chopped onions along with minced garlic. Saute for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Then, mix in the shredded carrots and sliced bell peppers. Continue cooking until they are tender but still crisp.

Once the vegetables have cooked down a bit, return the chicken pieces back into the pan. Pour soy sauce over everything and stir well so that all components get coated evenly with sauce. Allow it to simmer for another couple of minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of your skillet.

To complete the dish, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately along side rice or noodles if desired.

Additional Tips

1. You could also add more vegetables such as broccoli florets, mushrooms, spinach leaves, etc., to increase variety.
2. If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, consider adding some chili flakes towards the end before serving.
3. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending upon your needs - simply adjust cooking times accordingly based on batch size.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry remains a favorite among home cooks and busy individuals alike due to its simplicity, versatility, and quick preparation. By following the steps outlined above, you can prepare this delightful dish right at home without any fuss. Not only does it taste great but also provides essential nutrients that keep your body functioning optimally throughout the day.