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

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, flavorful, and full of nutrients. This recipe will serve four people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, julienned (or matchstick cut)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for stir-frying

Instructions

To start: Begin by preparing the chicken. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until it is well combined, creating a slurry.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, and oyster sauce to create your stir-fry sauce. Set this aside for later use.

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add half of the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry until they turn golden brown on all sides; do not overcrowd the pan as this can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying, which will make the chicken tough.

Once the chicken has browned, remove it from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining half of the chicken pieces.

Clean your skillet or wok by adding a small amount of cooking oil to prevent any residual seasoning from affecting subsequent ingredients.

Add the garlic and red onion slices to the hot skillet; stir-fry them for about 1-2 minutes until they turn translucent. Then, add broccoli florets into the pan and cook for another couple of minutes, ensuring the vegetables remain a bright green color.

Stir in carrots followed by the stir-fry sauce along with the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Gently mix all elements together so that they meld seamlessly; then return the chicken to the skillet.

Cook everything for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats evenly over the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning according to personal preference using salt and pepper if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This homemade chicken stir-fry recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Not only does it make a delicious main course but also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for an extra boost of flavor and texture.

Stir-frying not only saves time but also ensures that the ingredients stay fresh and nutritious. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a meal rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, it’s a great way to use up leftovers such as cooked chicken or any vegetables you might have on hand.

Feel free to customize this base recipe by adding other components like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even tofu for additional flavor profiles and nutritional benefits. Stir-fry is incredibly adaptable; so whether you're looking for something light yet substantial or just want a new twist on an old favorite—this dish has got it covered.

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p>Enjoy your homemade meal! Remember that leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making this a versatile option even during busy weekdays when fresh ingredients seem scarce.