Easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables: A Delicious Meal in Minutes

Chicken stir-fry with vegetables is one of the most beloved and frequently requested recipes by many food enthusiasts. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to experiment with different ingredients, making it both easy and exciting for everyone who loves cooking. Whether you're having friends over or just craving something quick yet satisfying after a long day at work, this recipe will surely hit the spot.

The total cooking time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes. You can easily prepare this meal in advance and reheat it when needed. This recipe serves four people comfortably.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g)
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 3 carrots, shredded finely
• 2 bell peppers, any color, chopped into small pieces
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons of chicken broth (optional)
• Optional garnish: green onions for extra flavor and color

Preparation Steps

To start with, you’ll need to marinate the chicken breasts. Mix soy sauce, a little bit of salt, pepper, and chicken broth in a bowl until it becomes a smooth mixture. Place the chicken pieces into this marinade, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place in an air-tight container. Marinate for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare all other vegetables needed. Slice onions and chop carrots and peppers as instructed above. When you are ready to start stir-frying, heat up a wok or large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for the oil to shimmer but not smoke.

Once your wok is heated properly, remove the chicken from the marinade. Pat off excess moisture if there's any, and add them into the hot wok. Stir-fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown on all sides. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Set aside the cooked chicken once it’s done.

Now, lower down your heat to medium low, add garlic cloves right after the chicken is removed; stir them quickly to release their aroma and avoid burning them. After about a minute of cooking, toss in onions followed by carrots and bell peppers. Let these vegetables cook for another 5 minutes or until they reach your desired softness level.

When everything seems ready, go back to the chicken, add it back into the wok along with any remaining marinade. Add soy sauce and a dash of water if using (optional), let it simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the liquid has thickened slightly, ensuring all components are heated thoroughly.

Finally, garnish your dish with some chopped green onions to enhance its taste and presentation. Serve immediately while still hot!

Tips & Variations

• Make it Spicier: If you prefer a bit more heat in your stir-fry, consider adding chili flakes or fresh jalapeños during the cooking process.
• Incorporate More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like broccoli florets, mushrooms, spinach leaves, etc., based on what's available and fits your taste preference.
• Vary Protein Options: Besides chicken breasts, you can use extra lean ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking time accordingly if switching from meat to non-meat proteins.

Conclusion

A well-prepared chicken stir-fry with vegetables not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides numerous health benefits due to its rich content of essential nutrients found in various vegetables. Its preparation process is simple, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced cooks alike. With just a few key ingredients and minimal effort, you can create this delightful meal right at home. So why not try out this recipe today? You won't be disappointed!