- Posted on
Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that can be prepared in minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. Whether you're looking to impress your family or just want an easy meal, this chicken stir-fry offers a flavorful alternative.
This versatile recipe can be customized based on your taste preferences and what ingredients you have available. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the vegetables used, while also providing lean protein from the chicken. You will need about 25 minutes to prepare this dish for two servings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil (use whichever you prefer)
- 3 cups mixed vegetables: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snow peas
- Salt to taste (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and stir well until each piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- While waiting, prepare your vegetables by slicing or chopping them into appropriate sizes. You can use a variety of veggies such as bell peppers (red, orange, green), carrots, broccoli, and snow peas.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes depending on your preference for doneness.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, push it to one side of the pan. Add a bit more oil if necessary, then toss in your chopped vegetables. Stir-fry them until tender-crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Mix the stir-fried chicken and vegetables back together. Pour any remaining sauce mixture over everything and let it simmer for another couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Tips & Variations
Feel free to experiment by adding different types of vegetables or even proteins like shrimp or tofu to create a unique version of your own favorite chicken stir-fry. You could also vary the sauce, using hoisin sauce for sweeter flavors or adding chili flakes for heat.
Cooking Time and Servings
This easy recipe takes around 25 minutes from start to finish and serves two people generously.
Healthy Benefits of Chicken Stir-Fry
Chicken stir-fry is not only quick but also highly nutritious. The lean protein content in the chicken supports muscle growth, maintenance, and repair while providing essential amino acids for overall health. Meanwhile, the colorful array of vegetables adds various vitamins like C and K which contribute to bone health, immune function, skin integrity, and vision support.
Using fresh ingredients ensures that you get more fiber from whole grains or legumes instead of refined carbohydrates, contributing positively towards digestive health. By limiting sodium intake by using lower-sodium soy sauce options, you can further enhance the nutritional profile without compromising flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To serve this dish, simply place it over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro if desired but isn't strictly necessary.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade chicken stir-fry tonight! Not only does it taste great, but it's also an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have lying around the fridge.