Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Meal

Looking for a quick and easy chicken stir-fry recipe that will leave you and your family asking for more? This simple yet tasty dish requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor! In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious stir-fry with chicken. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves four people perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and have all vegetables prepped.

2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey or sugar, water, and cornstarch to make the stir-fry sauce.

3. Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add oil to the pan, let it get hot for about 1-2 minutes.

4. Add chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are no longer pink inside (about 5 minutes). Use tongs to flip them halfway through cooking.

5. Once done, remove chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft but still crisp.

6. Add garlic and ginger to the vegetables; stir-fry for another minute to release their flavors.

7. Return the chicken back into the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely due to the cornstarch mixture.

8. Salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately over rice or noodles of your choice.

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various sides. Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice for a simple yet elegant meal. Alternatively, you could pair this with udon or soba noodles if you want to add some texture and richness to your plate.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Stir-Fry

To make sure your stir-fry comes out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

• Make sure the chicken is cut into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Thicker cuts might take longer to tenderize.
• Cooking with enough oil ensures that the vegetables don't stick to the pan and maintain their crispiness.
• Start with a hot pan, as it allows for better searing of the chicken which results in more flavor.
• Use a wok or large skillet if you can. These types of cookware allow food to move around easily without sticking.
• Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to saltiness, sweetness, etc.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 people

Chicken stir-fry is not just about the ingredients used; it’s also about how they interact with each other. The balance of flavors – salty, sour, sweet, and umami – makes this dish truly special. By mastering a few key techniques like proper timing, heat control, and ingredient choice, you can elevate your cooking skills significantly.

For those looking to vary the taste but keep it simple, here are some variations:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add in carrots, broccoli florets, or mushrooms. These will take just a little longer than peppers and onions so consider adding them later during cooking.
• Change Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, try using boneless pork chops or even shrimp for a seafood option.
• Experiment with Sauces: Beyond soy sauce, there are many other options like hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or tamari. Each adds unique character to your dish.

The best part about chicken stir-fry is its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas where you can express your creativity by adding different types of meats, vegetables, and sauces. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or heartier, there’s always room to experiment!