Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Keyword: Simple Chicken Stir-Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that can be ready in 30 minutes or less, look no further than simple chicken stir-fry. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.

The key ingredients for this recipe are boneless skinless chicken breasts, broccoli florets, carrots, bell peppers, garlic, and soy sauce. You’ll also need some olive oil or cooking spray to get the stir-fry started. This dish is not only healthy but also packed with flavor. The stir-fried chicken becomes tender while the vegetables remain crisp and colorful.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, sliced thinly on an angle
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Slice each breast into bite-sized strips, about ½ inch thick. Set aside.

While the chicken is marinating in a shallow dish with soy sauce, prepare your vegetables. Chop and slice them as directed above. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add olive oil to coat the pan evenly and swirl it around to prevent sticking.

Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add your chicken strips and stir-fry until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through – this will take about 5-6 minutes depending on their thickness.

Once the chicken is done, add in the broccoli florets first as they need more time to cook than carrots or peppers. Stir frequently while cooking for another 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green but still crisp-tender. Next, toss in the sliced carrots and bell pepper strips. Continue stirring until all vegetables are heated through - about another 2-3 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste before mixing everything together thoroughly so that every piece gets coated evenly with soy sauce.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total cooking time for this simple chicken stir-fry is approximately **25 minutes**, including preparation. It serves four people as a main course, though it can easily be doubled or halved depending on your household size.

Optional Additions

1. Add some sliced green onions (scallions) for extra flavor and color at the end of cooking.

2. For a bit more kick, stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking process.

3. If you prefer not using soy sauce due to dietary restrictions, try substituting it with tamari for those following a gluten-free diet. Alternatively, use lime juice or fish sauce as alternatives if preferred.

Health Benefits

This simple chicken stir-fry is an excellent source of protein from the chicken breasts combined with essential vitamins and minerals provided by the various vegetables used in this recipe. Broccoli has been linked to numerous health benefits including cancer prevention, improved digestion, better bone health thanks to its high calcium content among other nutrients.

Conclusion

A quick yet nutritious meal such as simple chicken stir-fry makes a great addition to any weekly menu rotation. Its flexibility allows you to adjust ingredients based on what’s available fresh from your local grocery store or even leftovers already in your fridge. With minimal effort, this dish can be adapted into various styles—whether it's for dinner tonight or packed as lunch tomorrow!