Perfectly Balanced Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Looking for a simple yet delicious stir-fry recipe that will leave everyone satisfied? Try this Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry. This versatile dish is not only quick to make but also packed with flavor. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or as part of your weekend meal prep, it's perfect for those who love a healthy balance of protein and vegetables.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients You'll Need

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium-sized carrot, julienned
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• A drizzle of rice vinegar
• Cooking oil for stir-frying

Steps to Prepare the Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

To start, prepare all your ingredients. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts if necessary.

1. Preheat the Pan: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it's almost smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and swirl around to coat the surface evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Once the pan is hot, place the sliced chicken breast strips into the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides. If using thighs, they might take slightly longer; ensure that you check if they're no longer pink inside.
3. Add Vegetables: After cooking the chicken, remove it from the pan and set aside. Add more oil or as needed for stir-frying the vegetables. Include the sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, broccoli florets, minced garlic, and thinly sliced onion to the pan. Stir continuously until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Combine Everything: Now it's time to combine all elements together. Return the chicken back into the pan along with soy sauce or tamari, and a drizzle of rice vinegar for an extra kick of flavor. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir everything well until everything is heated through.
5. Plate and Serve: Once combined and heated properly, transfer the stir-fry onto plates or a serving platter. Garnish it as desired (optional), such as with additional sesame seeds or fresh green onions for color and extra flavor.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences. You could replace the chicken with tofu, add more of any vegetable you like, or even include some noodles for a heartier meal. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles on the side to make it a full course.

Tips for Success

To ensure your stir-fry comes out perfectly every time:

• Use a large wok or skillet that distributes heat evenly so you can achieve those deliciously crispy edges.
• Make sure all ingredients are cut uniformly to maintain even cooking times.
• Start with high heat to seal the chicken and then lower it slightly when adding vegetables, allowing them to cook gently without burning.

Healthy Alternatives and Variations

If you're looking for healthier options or alternatives:

• Add more leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking to retain their nutrients and moisture.
• Bake instead of frying chicken, which can significantly cut down on fat content.
• Incorporate different types of mushrooms (shiitake, oyster) for additional umami flavor without increasing salt intake too much.

This Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe provides a nutritious and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a tasty home-cooked dinner, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen!