Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile and quick-to-prepare meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a popular choice for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep time and can be customized to suit different dietary needs, such as vegetarian or low-carb options. The key to making a tasty stir-fry lies in choosing fresh ingredients and using high heat to sear the meat. This recipe will yield 4 generous servings of a savory chicken stir-fry with vegetables over rice.

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil for a nutty flavor)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds umami flavor)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances the flavors of the stir-fry)
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 carrot, julienned or shredded
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cooked rice (or noodles for a different texture and taste)
Salt to taste (optional, depending on the saltiness of soy sauce)

Instructions

Start by preheating your wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and allow it to get hot before adding the chicken strips.
Fry the chicken until it is browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon once cooked through; set aside.
Reduce heat slightly and add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan if needed. Add minced garlic cloves, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown – this should take no more than 30 seconds.
Add all vegetables (bell peppers first followed by carrots and broccoli). Stir-fry them for about 5 minutes, ensuring that everything is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Vegetables will continue to cook further during assembly.
Return the chicken strips back into the pan along with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar (optional) and salt to taste. Mix well until all components are well combined and heated through for another 2 minutes or so.
To serve, spoon your stir-fry over a bed of hot cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Protein: About 35g
Carbohydrates: Around 65g
Fiber: Just under 7g
Fat: Less than 12g

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly affects the taste and texture. Always choose fresh vegetables, especially when stir-frying them. They should be crisp yet tender.
Heat Control: Stir-frying requires quick movement at high temperatures to ensure even cooking without overcooking anything. Start with a very hot pan before adding any ingredient so that they sear properly.
Cooking Order Matters: It's better to cook tougher vegetables like carrots and broccoli first, followed by the softer ones such as bell peppers or mushrooms. This way, everything will be done at once without overcooking anything.

Variations for Customization

This recipe is flexible enough to adapt according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. For instance:

For those who prefer more protein but less vegetables, you could reduce the quantity of stir-fried veggies while increasing the portion size of chicken.
A vegetarian version can be made by omitting chicken and doubling up on different kinds of firm tofu or edamame beans instead.
If you're following a low-carb diet, consider serving this dish with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles rather than regular white rice.

Conclusion

A well-executed chicken stir-fry is not only delicious but also nutritious and comforting. With its ability to incorporate a wide range of ingredients, this dish offers endless possibilities for creativity in your kitchen. Whether you're looking for something simple yet satisfying or trying out new flavors, this recipe serves as an excellent starting point.

Enjoy this versatile meal and let your imagination guide the addition of other seasonings or additional spices like chili flakes if you wish to spice things up a bit! Happy cooking!