Easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables: A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal

Chicken stir-fry with vegetables is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, depending on the season's fresh produce availability. This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The key to success in this recipe lies in selecting quality ingredients and properly cooking each component. In just 30 minutes, you can have an amazing stir-fry ready for four servings.

Ingredients needed for a tasty chicken stir-fry are simple: boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces; bell peppers (any color); carrots; broccoli florets; garlic; ginger; soy sauce; sesame oil; and cornstarch. Additionally, you will require a wok or large skillet for cooking. For optimal flavor, ensure the vegetables are fresh, ideally purchased within the last two days from your local market.

Start by preparing the chicken and vegetables. Slice each piece of chicken breast into about 1-inch strips. Peel and slice the carrots diagonally into thin half-moons. Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into small bite-sized pieces. For the bell peppers, choose any color you like for a vibrant dish; they should be sliced similarly to how you would dice an onion.

Next, make sure to chop the garlic and ginger finely. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce with cornstarch. This will serve as a thickener for your stir-fry sauce. Prepare your wok or skillet by heating up the sesame oil over medium-high heat until it becomes aromatic. Once heated, carefully add the chicken pieces into the hot oil; cook them until they turn golden brown on all sides.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare a marinade for the vegetables if desired. A simple mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, and a bit of water can be used as a marinade to enhance flavor. Allow the chicken pieces to sit in this mixture briefly before adding them to the wok or skillet. This step ensures that the chicken remains juicy during cooking.

After frying the chicken for about 5 minutes, remove it from the wok and set aside. Add more oil if needed and stir-fry the bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli florets until they are just tender but not overcooked. Season this mixture with garlic and ginger according to your taste.

Once the vegetables are ready, return the chicken pieces back into the wok or skillet along with the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier. Stir everything together gently so that all ingredients get coated evenly with the savory sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes before serving immediately over steamed rice.

For those looking to enjoy this dish without the use of cornstarch, consider using a low-carb alternative such as arrowroot powder or simply reducing the liquid in your soy sauce mixture slightly. If you want more depth to your flavors, adding green onions and sesame seeds on top after cooking will provide extra freshness.

Enjoy your homemade easy chicken stir-fry with vegetables! This dish is not only great for a quick meal but also offers flexibility; feel free to substitute ingredients based on what looks fresh at your local grocery store. Whether you're craving something simple or just want variety in your weekly menu, this recipe should definitely be in your repertoire.

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p>With its balanced combination of lean protein and colorful vegetables, chicken stir-fry with vegetables makes for a perfect meal that caters well to busy weekdays when time is limited. It’s also an excellent choice if you're hosting friends over as it can easily be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.