Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Delicious Meal for Family Dinners

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It offers a delightful balance between savory and sweet flavors, making it the perfect choice for family dinners. This recipe uses simple ingredients but produces a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced into small cubes
• 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (sesame or vegetable)
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, and set them aside in a bowl. Next, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, and grated ginger root. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until they are thoroughly coated.

In a large pan or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken pieces into the pan and stir-fry them until browned on all sides, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes.

Now it’s time to add vegetables. Mix in red bell pepper cubes and broccoli florets, ensuring each component has space to cook properly. Continue cooking for about 3 more minutes, stirring frequently so that everything heats up evenly without sticking.

Finally, remove the mixture from heat when done; stir in green onions and soy sauce until they are heated through but not overcooked. Taste before serving, adding salt as needed. Serve hot alongside rice or noodles if preferred.

Tips for Success

1. Choose fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh produce such as bell peppers and broccoli instead of frozen ones. Fresh vegetables hold more nutrients and add a better flavor to the dish.
2. Prepare everything ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped before starting cooking ensures that you won’t run out of time during the actual process. This tip also helps in maintaining food safety by avoiding cross-contamination between raw meats and vegetables.
3. Use proper equipment: A well-seasoned wok or a large skillet is essential for stir-frying as it distributes heat evenly, resulting in better texture and flavor of your dish.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate Values)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg

This recipe provides a delicious, balanced meal rich in protein and vitamins. The use of whole grains like brown rice or noodles can make this dish even more nutritious.

Variations to Try

• For an extra kick, add some chili flakes into your stir-fry after cooking the chicken but before adding vegetables.
• To increase the vegetable content, consider adding carrots, peas, or mushrooms. These will provide additional fiber and antioxidants.
• If you prefer more sweetness in your dish, include pineapple chunks or even a splash of honey at the end.

Conclusion

A perfectly balanced chicken stir-fry is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. This versatile meal can be served as part of various dietary plans and caters well for different tastes across cultures worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe offers simplicity combined with flavor.