Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Meal for Your Weeknight Supper

Chicken Stir-Fry is a popular go-to dish that can be prepared quickly and served hot or cold, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This versatile meal pairs well with noodles, rice, or even lettuce wraps if you're looking to keep things light.

The beauty of chicken stir-fry lies in its simplicity while allowing endless customization options based on your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a sweet and sour tanginess or a more savory umami-rich profile, the secret ingredient is in how you balance your flavors—this includes choosing high-quality ingredients and mastering proper cooking techniques.

To get started with this recipe, we recommend preparing 4 servings for dinner. The total time needed to cook this meal from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes, including prep time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp cold water (for thickening the sauce)
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps To Prepare Chicken Stir-Fry

1. Begin by marinating the chicken. Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, half a teaspoon of sesame oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Add the chopped chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the red bell peppers into thin strips and slice the yellow onions thinly.

3. Next, make the sauce. Combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, half a teaspoon sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry in another small bowl. Stir until smooth to use later when you thicken your stir-fry's sauce.

4. Heat up your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of cooking oil into the pan. Once it's hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.

5. Return the same wok to medium heat with a bit more oil if necessary. Add the sliced onions first; stir-fry them until they start to soften and turn slightly translucent, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Then toss in the bell peppers for about another 2-3 minutes.

6. Return the cooked chicken back into the wok along with your prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so that all ingredients are well-coated in the savory sauce and the starch thickens the sauce properly, turning it slightly glossy.

7. Season to taste before serving hot right away or let cool down for room temperature snacks later on.

Tips For A Winning Chicken Stir-Fry

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible. This ensures the best flavor and texture of your dish.
• Cooking Temporarily: Make sure not to overcrowd your wok when stir-frying; this prevents steaming instead of searing, which is essential for achieving a crisp exterior on chicken pieces.
• Serve Immediately: If you plan to serve the dish hot, do so as soon after cooking as possible. For cold versions such as lettuce wraps, let it cool down completely first before assembling and serving.

Why Try Chicken Stir-Fry?

This recipe not only caters to those seeking quick weeknight dinners but also provides an opportunity for experimenting with various flavors depending on your preference. From mild to fiery, traditional to fusion, there’s no shortage of ways to jazz up this classic dish.

With minimal preparation and cooking times, chicken stir-fry allows you to focus more on enjoying the meal rather than stressing over meal prep schedules. Plus, leftovers from a well-made batch can be enjoyed for lunches or dinners throughout the week!

If you're looking for an easy yet delicious addition to your weekly menu, consider giving our balanced Chicken Stir-Fry recipe a try today! Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a hearty and satisfying dish with minimal effort.