Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick Weeknight Meal

A quick and simple chicken stir-fry recipe is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't have much time to spend in the kitchen. This dish is easy, fast, and can be made with ingredients most households already have on hand. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet tasty stir-fry.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people comfortably. With its simplicity in preparation, you can easily customize the flavors based on your preference. Here's what you need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup of broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

To start, prepare the chicken by slicing it into thin strips. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables. This is a great time to have everything chopped up so that when you're ready to stir-fry, all components are at hand.

In a wok or large pan, heat your oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The goal here is to get the chicken golden brown but not fully cooked through yet; we want to finish cooking the chicken after adding all other ingredients.

Once the chicken has been seared, remove it from the pan and set aside. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, allowing them to sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Next, add the bell peppers and broccoli florets. These vegetables should be cooked just long enough to retain their vibrant colors but still have a crisp texture. Stir-fry these ingredients together for around 5-7 minutes.

While stirring frequently, sprinkle in the soy sauce (optional) at this point if you prefer more umami flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. After adding the vegetables, return the cooked chicken to the pan to warm it through briefly.

The entire process from start to finish should take about 25-30 minutes depending on your specific stove and heat setting. Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The balance between savory chicken and fresh, colorful vegetables creates a delightful combination that will please both adults and children alike.

This recipe is not only convenient but also highly adaptable. You can experiment with different types of sauces (like hoisin sauce), add in other proteins like tofu or shrimp, or incorporate additional vegetables such as carrots or snap peas to create various versions tailored to your taste preferences. Always keep a few key staples on hand—such as chicken breast, soy sauce, and vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli—that allow you to whip up this meal whenever inspiration strikes.

Chicken stir-fry is an excellent choice for those looking for quick, satisfying meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you're short on time after a long day at work or just want something delicious to share with family members, this simple recipe ticks all the right boxes! Try it out for yourself and see how much joy this versatile dish brings into your household.