Perfectly Balanced Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Delicious Meal for Your Family

Chicken and vegetable stir-fries have long been a favorite in households around the world due to their versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to provide balanced nutrition. This versatile dish is not only simple to make but also customizable, allowing you to add various ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Today's recipe focuses on creating an ideal balance between protein-rich chicken and nutrient-dense vegetables, all within a quick cooking timeframe.

This stir-fry can be enjoyed as a main course for dinner or served alongside rice as part of a complete meal. The preparation takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It serves four people generously. Let's dive into the details of this nutritious and tasty dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, similarly chopped
• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 4 green onions, sliced thinly on an angle
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and set aside. Chop all vegetables as specified in the ingredient list above.

2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), and half of the minced garlic with the grated ginger. Set this marinade aside for later use.

3. Heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough to shimmer but not smoke, add the chicken strips. Stir-fry until they turn opaque and are no longer pink inside—this should take about three minutes.

4. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside. Reduce the heat if necessary so that you can safely handle the remaining ingredients without burning them. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet, followed by the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables until they start to soften—about three minutes.

5. Mix in the reserved soy sauce-garlic-ginger mixture along with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Continue stir-frying for another minute or two just long enough to meld the flavors together without overcooking any of the components further.

6. Return the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan, tossing everything gently until well combined once more. Allow this final stage of cooking to happen off heat since you don't want to break apart the chicken too much; simply ensure all elements are heated through before serving immediately after plating up.

7. Once ready, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this satisfying and healthy meal!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Total Protein: 40g

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry is more than just a dish; it’s an opportunity to explore different tastes while maintaining good health. Whether you're looking for something quick during your busy week or want to impress guests with homemade flavors, this recipe ticks all the right boxes! Experiment by adding different types of protein like tofu or shrimp if preferred, and feel free to use whatever vegetables are currently in season locally.

Remember that balance is key when making such dishes; choose lean proteins, colorful veggies for a wide range of vitamins & minerals, and smart fats from olive oil or other healthy options. This versatile meal offers endless possibilities depending on your taste preferences and what’s available at your local market!