Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people around the world. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or want to impress guests, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This stir-fry is packed with tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Chicken Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Packed with protein from the chicken, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and healthy fats if you choose to add some sesame oil or peanut butter for flavor, this dish can serve as a balanced meal for a family of four. Let’s dive into how you can prepare it at home!

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
2 carrots, julienned
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
Optional: green onions, sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Start by prepping your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and carrots into thin strips and thinly slice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside this marinade for your chicken strips.
Heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the sliced garlic and stir-fry briefly to infuse it with flavor without browning it too much.
Add the chicken strips into the hot pan, stirring gently so they don’t stick together. Cook for about 4 minutes or until the chicken becomes opaque and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the heat and set aside.
Return the pan to medium-high heat and add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if necessary. Add in the sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
Add back the cooked chicken into the pan along with the marinade sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly. Continue cooking on high heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together nicely.
For garnishing purposes, you can sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds over the top right before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add tofu or shrimp: To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, replace chicken with firm tofu. For an extra protein boost, add cooked shrimp along with the vegetables and stir-fry until they turn pink.
Use different sauces: Feel free to experiment by using other types of sauce like teriyaki or peanut sauce for a unique twist!
Braise chicken ahead of time: You can prepare the marinaded chicken overnight in your fridge, then cook it the next day. This method makes preparing dinner faster and easier.

Cooking Time & Servings

This Chicken Stir-Fry requires approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including prep time for vegetables and cooking time. It serves four people as a main course, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Chicken Stir-Fry is an easy yet satisfying dish that combines simplicity with flavor. The key lies in keeping all the ingredients fresh and well-seasoned. With minimal effort and maximum reward, you can enjoy this delicious meal at home anytime!

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, Chicken Stir-Fry is an excellent go-to recipe that never fails to please. Its versatility allows for endless creative possibilities, making it one of those dishes worth mastering. Try experimenting with different ingredients and sauces; before long, you’ll have created your own signature version!