Delicious One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

One-pot meals have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their simplicity and convenience. This dish offers a healthy and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare, saving time for busy cooks.

This one-pot chicken and vegetable stir-fry not only provides a delightful taste experience but also allows you to enjoy delicious flavors without the hassle of multiple pots or pans. The combination of tender chicken with fresh vegetables creates a vibrant, colorful dish that is both visually appealing and packed with nutrients.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, yielding servings for four people. Begin by gathering your ingredients: one whole chicken (about two pounds), carrots, bell peppers, broccoli florets, garlic cloves, ginger slices, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and black pepper.

First, you will need to prepare the vegetables. Slice the carrots diagonally into thin half-moons. Cut the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Break the chicken into smaller pieces ensuring that each serving has approximately 10 pieces of chicken per person. Preparing these in advance will save time during the actual cooking process.

Once all ingredients are ready, heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of sesame oil and let it warm slightly before adding half of the sliced garlic and ginger for aroma. Sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Then add chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them until they turn golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes.

After cooking the chicken, remove it from the heat and set aside in a bowl. Next, return the skillet to medium-high heat and add another two tablespoons of sesame oil if needed. Add carrots first as they require more time to cook thoroughly; sauté until lightly browned about 4 minutes. Then stir in bell peppers for just one additional minute.

Return the chicken back into the pan along with broccoli florets, which should only take around two-three minutes to blanch properly before it becomes overly soft and mushy. For seasoning purposes, mix soy sauce (about one tablespoon), oyster sauce (one teaspoon) together in a small bowl and pour this mixture over your ingredients once everything is well combined.

Sprinkle black pepper generously on top of the stir-fry to taste. Let it simmer gently for another five minutes, ensuring all components are evenly cooked yet retain their fresh texture. This will also help to blend flavors together more effectively.

Transfer the entire mixture into a large serving dish or individual bowls. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice on the side. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of freshness and aesthetic appeal.

This one-pot chicken and vegetable stir-fry, when served promptly after preparation, can be enjoyed at its peak freshness and flavor. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a balanced lunchbox. With minimal effort required from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to simplify their meal planning while still providing an array of nutritional benefits.

The versatility of such dishes extends beyond just its immediate consumption; leftovers make excellent lunches the next day, either cold or heated up slightly. They also pair wonderfully with various side dishes like miso soup or a fresh green salad if you desire more variety during your meal.