Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

The delicious combination of chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce makes this stir-fry the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy an easy yet nutritious meal in no time. This versatile dish can be paired with various side dishes or served as a main course on its own.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional thickener)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional)

Instructions

To begin your chicken stir-fry, start by preparing all the ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and set aside in a bowl.

1. Prepare the vegetables: slice the bell pepper and onion, julienne the carrots, and mince the garlic. These will be added to the dish later for flavor and color.
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch (if using), salt, and pepper. This mixture will act as your stir-fry sauce once everything is cooked.
3. Heat the peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add half of the chicken strips to the pan; cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add more oil if necessary, then add the vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry them for another minute or two, just until they become tender-crisp. Transfer the vegetables to a plate with the chicken.
5. Return any remaining oil in the pan and quickly stir-fry the garlic cloves until fragrant but not burned.
6. Add the reserved chicken strips back into the skillet along with the mixed sauce ingredients. Stir continuously over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

How to Serve

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles if you desire a complete meal. The flavors of chicken stir-fry really shine when served over a bed of fluffy white rice, providing a perfect contrast to the slightly spicy and tangy sauce. For those who prefer more substantial meals, consider serving this stir-fry alongside some freshly cooked noodles.

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe is designed for 4 servings in approximately 30 minutes of active cooking time. Adjust the amount of ingredients proportionally if you are serving a different number of people. It’s important to note that while it takes about half an hour, much of this includes waiting times between steps.

Health Benefits

The combination of lean protein (chicken) and fiber-rich vegetables ensures that your meal is both satisfying and nutritious. Chicken stir-fry not only provides essential vitamins but also helps build muscle mass due to its high-protein content. Meanwhile, the colorful bell peppers and carrots offer significant amounts of antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers from this dish, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen in portions for later use. To reheat, simply place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish with some additional water if needed, and heat until thoroughly warmed through.

Enjoy your perfectly balanced chicken stir-fry – it's simple yet packed full of flavor and nutrients!