Easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Looking for a quick, tasty, and nutritious dinner? Try this easy chicken stir-fry recipe. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want to put something delicious on the table fast.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking
• Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets or other vegetables of your choice

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 as a main course

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing all the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onions, then mince garlic and grate ginger.
2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth to make your stir-fry sauce.
3. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat up some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until fully cooked through (no pink inside). Remove from pan and set aside to keep warm.
4. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté sliced onions until soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir continuously for about 1 minute or until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to your dish without adding extra cooking time.
5. Return the chicken to the pan along with sliced bell peppers. Pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce and mix well. Allow it to simmer for another couple of minutes allowing flavors to meld together. If you like a bit more texture, you can add broccoli florets or any other vegetables towards the end.
6. Taste before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary with additional soy sauce or salt.
7. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Why Choose Chicken Stir-Fry?

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile and flexible dish that caters to various dietary preferences, including those who are vegetarian. The flexibility allows you to add or substitute ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. It’s also a great way to incorporate vegetables into meals as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible even for beginners in cooking. With just a few steps and minimal equipment required, it's easy to prepare. Moreover, the use of fresh ingredients ensures that you're getting wholesome nutrients without any preservatives or unhealthy additives.

Health Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Packed with lean protein from chicken breast, vitamins and minerals from bell peppers and other vegetables, this meal offers a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. It's low in fat when prepared correctly (using minimal oil), making it suitable for those watching their weight or cholesterol levels.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables depending on your taste preferences and what’s available at your local market. Some popular options include carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, bell peppers, etc.

• Carrot Stir-Fry: Add finely sliced carrots along with the other veggies for a vibrant color and extra crunch.
• Mushroom Delight: Substitute half of the chicken for mushrooms to enhance earthy flavors.
• Bell Pepper Power-Up: Increase bell pepper quantity for an even brighter dish. You could also experiment with different colored peppers like yellow or purple ones for variety.

No matter how you tweak it, this versatile recipe remains quick and enjoyable to prepare. Whether you're looking for a light weeknight meal or want something special for the family dinner table, this simple yet satisfying dish will definitely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.