Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Meal for Busy Weeknights

A simple chicken stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. This versatile dish pairs well with rice or noodles, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but not time-consuming.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or low-sodium option)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated or finely chopped
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (vegetable oil is a neutral-tasting cooking oil that works well in stir-fries)
• Fresh vegetables of your choice: bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Set aside.
3. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sear the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Turn down the heat to medium and add your chosen vegetables to the same pan. Stir-fry them for about 5 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
5. Add the seared chicken back into the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together, allowing all ingredients to warm through. If desired, you can thin out the sauce by adding a little bit of water and stirring in any remaining soy sauce mixture from the marinade. Let it cook down until the flavors are nicely blended.
6. Once everything is heated through, sprinkle with green onions for garnish before serving immediately.

Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (preparation time included)

Servings: Serves 4 as a main course or can be doubled for larger groups like family gatherings or potlucks.

Benefits of Eating Chicken Stir-Fry

Eating chicken stir-fry provides numerous benefits beyond just being delicious and quick to prepare. For instance, it is packed with essential vitamins such as vitamin B6 which helps in the formation of hemoglobin – a protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. It also contains niacin, which can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Cooking with vegetables provides fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer, making chicken stir-fry not only satisfying but also beneficial for maintaining good health. Additionally, adding spices like garlic or ginger offers anti-inflammatory properties that support overall wellness.

Customizing Your Stir-Fry

Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can add a splash of rice vinegar right before serving for an extra tangy kick, mix in some sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. For those looking to make it healthier, consider using chicken breast instead of thighs as the latter has slightly more fat. If you want to spice things up even further, use red pepper flakes or chili paste alongside your garlic.

Storage & Serving Tips

This dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Leftovers taste just as good reheated the next day. Pair it with some steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish generously with fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil if you want to give it that extra pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy your homemade chicken stir-fry! This easy recipe ensures that you have a delicious, nutritious meal ready whenever you need one.