Simple Yet Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry, a versatile dish that can be adapted to various flavors and ingredients, is a popular meal choice for busy weeknight dinners. This recipe provides a quick yet delicious option for those looking to enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.

The cooking time for this chicken stir-fry is approximately 25 minutes, and it serves four people perfectly. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 large onion, sliced into thin half-moons
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
• 1 green pepper, cut into similar strips to the red pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or less as per taste)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Optional garnish: scallions, sesame seeds, and peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your chicken. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring you cut through the tenders to create strips rather than cubes.

2. In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with salt and cornstarch. This will help thicken the sauce and give the chicken some texture as it cooks.

3. Heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and has just started to brown on all sides.

4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

5. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Once hot, throw in the garlic cloves and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Next, add the sliced onions to the skillet. Stir continuously while cooking them until they soften, which takes around 5 minutes.

7. Add the bell peppers into the pan next; cook these together with the onions for another 3-4 minutes so that everything is well mixed and heated through.

8. Return the chicken back to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce or tamari, ensuring you coat all pieces of meat evenly.

9. To make the stir-fry more cohesive, mix the cornstarch mixture (water and cornstarch) into the pan while stirring constantly; allow this mixture to thicken slightly before adding the final touches.

10. Let the flavors meld for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional soy sauce or salt.

11. Once everything looks well combined, serve immediately! Garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and peanuts (if using) to enhance both color and texture.

Tips for Success

• Cooking the chicken first: By cooking the chicken separately before adding other ingredients like vegetables, you ensure that it gets sufficient time on high heat without being overwhelmed by the longer-cooking veggies.

• Mixing cornstarch into water: Using a slurry made from cornstarch and water helps create the perfect thickening effect for your stir-fry sauce. Avoid over-mixing this mixture; instead, gently incorporate it during cooking to achieve optimal texture.

• Tasting frequently: It's essential to taste your dish regularly while making adjustments according to individual preferences regarding saltiness or sweetness levels of soy sauce.

This simple yet delicious chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for those who want something hearty but not overly complicated. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish promises a delightful meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Try adding new vegetables such as broccoli florets or carrots next time to vary your flavor profile!