Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Meal for Busy Nights

Chicken stir-fry is a popular and versatile dish that can be prepared quickly to serve a family dinner or a casual meal with friends. The balance of flavors in this recipe highlights the umami-rich chicken, sweet carrots, crunchy snap peas, and fresh broccoli while incorporating a savory soy-based sauce.

This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or served over rice for a filling side dish. You only need about 30 minutes to prepare and cook the stir-fry from start to finish. It serves four generous portions.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized strips (about 2 cups)
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets (about 2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in water for thickening the sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil or vegetable oil for stir-frying (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Start by prepping all your vegetables. Slice the carrots, halve the snap peas if they are large, and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Place these in a bowl ready for use.
Mix together the soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and water to make the thickening sauce. Set this aside.
Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and stir-fry until it is lightly browned on all sides. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic, carrots, snap peas, and broccoli to the skillet or wok. Stir-fry until the vegetables are just tender-crisp. This should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Return the chicken strips to the pan, along with the reserved sauce mixture. Toss everything together over low heat for another couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce will thicken as it cooks down a bit.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The calorie count per serving is approximately 250 kcal, which includes about 17g of protein, 14g of carbohydrates, and 9g of fat. It's a well-balanced meal that provides essential nutrients like Vitamin C from the snap peas, Vitamin K from the broccoli, and iron from the chicken.

Why Choose Chicken Stir-Fry?

Chicken stir-fry is not only delicious but also healthy. The dish allows you to customize your portion of protein, vegetables, and fat. With this recipe, you can easily scale it up or down depending on the number of people in your household. It's also a great way to introduce kids to eating their veggies since they are cooked just enough that retain some crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers from this recipe, refrigerate them within two hours of cooking for optimal freshness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. For reheating, place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish covered with plastic wrap and heat on high until heated through. Alternatively, if you prefer a crispier texture after reheating, gently reheat it over medium-low heat on the stovetop without covering.

Conclusion

Cooking a flavorful chicken stir-fry is an excellent way to enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this dish can be adapted to fit various dietary restrictions or preferences while delivering a delightful taste experience.