Perfectly Balanced One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a versatile dish that allows for numerous variations in flavor and ingredients. This recipe offers a perfect balance of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices to create an easy, delicious one-pot meal. With minimal prep time and cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced diagonally
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 people

Instructions:

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to broil. If you prefer a more tender and juicy chicken, it might be beneficial to lightly brush the cut pieces of chicken with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: While your oven is preheating and you are preparing the chicken, slice the red bell peppers into thin strips and dice the yellow onion into small cubes. Chop the carrots thinly or diagonally to ensure even cooking. This will also help in creating a visually appealing dish.

Step 3: Once your oven is hot enough and your ingredients are prepared, take them out of the oven. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika to taste. Place the seasoned chicken back into the oven on high broil for about 7-9 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: After the chicken has been cooking in the oven, take this time to prepare a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up for about one minute.

Step 5: Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion followed by garlic cloves. Stir frequently until they become slightly translucent, which usually takes around 2 minutes. The onions will release a sweet aroma that adds depth to your dish.

Step 6: Add the sliced carrots and red bell peppers into the skillet. Continue cooking for another few minutes until the vegetables have softened but still hold their vibrant color. Ensure that you stir occasionally so as not to burn the onions or vegetables.

Step 7: Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before cutting into pieces. This will help in maintaining its juiciness while allowing any excess juices to redistribute within the meat.

Step 8: To assemble your stir-fry, pour the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Gently mix everything together until thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary – adding a pinch more salt or cumin could enhance the flavor depending on your preference.

Step 9: Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for extra freshness and color. Serve hot alongside some steamed rice or flatbread of your choice to soak up all those delicious juices!

Tips and Variations:

1. If you want a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
2. For added protein, include some canned beans like chickpeas or kidney beans to enrich the nutritional content of your meal.
3. To make this recipe even more versatile, experiment with different herbs such as basil, thyme, or oregano instead of cilantro.

This Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner solution or want to impress guests at your next potluck, this dish has got it all! Plus, it requires minimal effort yet yields big results on the plate.