Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Flavorful Meal for Busy Nights

Keyword: Healthy chicken stir-fry

Are you looking for a quick and healthy dinner that is packed with flavor? This healthy chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s easy, nutritious, and can be customized according to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken breast (or 2 if it's smaller), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts

Instructions

Start by preparing all your ingredients. You can prep the vegetables and chicken while you heat up a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

1. Add olive oil to the pan and let it heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
2. Add the sliced peppers and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently so that they don't burn. Add garlic cloves once they start browning slightly in the wok, around two minutes into cooking vegetables.
3. When the peppers have softened but still retain some crunch, add chicken pieces to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through. You'll know it's done when there is no pink left in the meat and juices run clear.
4. If desired, you can add soy sauce and water or chicken broth during this process. This helps create a savory glaze that coats your stir-fry beautifully.
5. Season with salt and pepper according to preference; also consider adding any optional garnishes like green onions for freshness or sesame seeds/peanuts for extra texture.

Cooking Time & Servings

This healthy chicken stir-fry takes approximately 15 minutes of active cooking time, not including preparation and cleanup. It serves four people nicely as a main dish or could be doubled to serve six if you have leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

Health Benefits

The healthy chicken stir-fry is an excellent choice for those following a balanced diet rich in protein and vegetables. Chicken provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth, while peppers offer vitamins C and A which boost immune function and promote skin health respectively. Garlic adds antibacterial properties to protect against infections.

Storage & Tips

If you don't finish the whole meal at once, store any leftovers in an airtight container within the fridge where they will last for up to three days. For best results, consume as soon after cooking as possible though. You can also freeze portions of this dish if desired; however, due to its high vegetable content, there might be some changes when reheating.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like broccoli florets or mushrooms which would pair wonderfully with this recipe too! Adjusting the amount of soy sauce based on personal taste bud preferences is encouraged as well. Don't forget to adjust salt and pepper quantities accordingly whenever making these modifications.

Closing Thoughts

A healthy chicken stir-fry made from scratch is a simple yet satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere! With minimal effort put into its preparation, you get a delightful combination of flavors along with numerous health benefits. Whether it's served alone or accompanied by steamed rice or noodles, this dish promises to become a favorite in your household.