Quick and Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Keyword: Quick and healthy chicken stir-fry recipe

Are you looking for a quick and healthy meal that can be ready in minutes? Look no further than this delicious and nutritious chicken stir-fry! This dish is packed with flavor, protein, and vegetables. With just one pan needed to cook it all together, this stir-fry is also incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) Garnish: sesame seeds or green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Start by preparing your vegetables. Wash the broccoli florets, slice the onion thinly, and juliennize the red bell pepper.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce (or tamari), cornstarch, and water to form a thickening sauce for your stir-fry.

Step 3: Heat up the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry them for 5-7 minutes, occasionally flipping them so they brown evenly on all sides. Make sure you cook the chicken well enough to ensure it's safe to eat; if you prefer a more tender texture, you can reduce the heat slightly during cooking.

Step 5: Once the chicken is almost fully cooked, add the sliced onion and stir-fry for another couple of minutes. The onions should be just starting to soften but not yet completely caramelized.

Step 6: Add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper pieces to the skillet, stirring continuously as you continue cooking until all ingredients are heated through – about 5 more minutes.

Step 7: Finally, pour in your sauce mixture and stir everything together vigorously for another minute or two. Allow the dish to simmer briefly so that flavors meld well before serving it hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Cooking Time & Servings

This quick and healthy chicken stir-fry can be prepared within 15-20 minutes from start to finish. It yields approximately four servings, making it perfect for family dinners or casual weeknight meals when you want something light yet satisfying.

Tips for Success

• For crispier vegetables and a more appealing texture, ensure they are added towards the end of cooking.
• If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, consider marinating them overnight in soy sauce or another flavorful liquid to add extra depth of flavor.
• You can substitute other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or snap peas depending on what you have available in your kitchen and personal preferences.

Variations & Adaptations

To give this dish a different twist, consider adding some additional ingredients like tofu for added protein richness or incorporating various herbs and spices such as ginger, chili flakes, or oregano to suit your taste buds. You could also experiment by replacing soy sauce with other types of sauces like hoisin sauce or peanut butter if you prefer milder flavors.

Another great way to make this dish more exciting is by serving it over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa for extra texture contrast and nutritional value.

Conclusion

A quick and healthy chicken stir-fry recipe offers an excellent solution when you're short on time but still want a wholesome meal. By following these straightforward steps, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dish anytime you need it. Experiment with different vegetables or flavors to keep things interesting - after all, cooking should be fun!