Easy Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Chicken stir-fry is one of those versatile dishes that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be customized in so many ways. Whether you're looking for something light or a bit heartier, this recipe provides the perfect balance. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, it's an ideal meal for busy weeknights. The following easy chicken stir-fry makes enough for four servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (for the sauce)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing all your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers, onions, and carrots as mentioned in the ingredient list. Prepare the snow peas or sugar snap peas to ensure they are ready for cooking.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch with water. This will help thicken the sauce later on when you add soy sauce.

3. Heat up a large pan over medium heat and pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add your chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they are well browned and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

4. Back to the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté these until fragrant, about a minute. Then add in the red bell pepper slices along with sliced onions. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes before adding the carrots and snow peas or sugar snap peas.

5. Once all vegetables are softened slightly (about 5 more minutes), return the chicken back into the pan. Mix everything together well so that each piece of meat gets coated in sauce. Add soy sauce if you like a bit more flavor.

6. Now it’s time to thicken your sauce by stirring in the cornstarch mixture. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly, making sure not to overcook which might cause the chicken pieces to become dry.

7. Salt and pepper to taste before serving immediately on plates or bowls. Serve this tasty dish alongside steamed rice or noodles if desired.

This simple yet delicious meal is perfect for those times when you want something quick but still healthy and satisfying. Chicken stir-fry offers a great mix of textures—crispy chicken, crunchy vegetables—that make every bite enjoyable. It pairs wonderfully with various sides like rice, noodles, or even some fresh greens if you prefer a lighter option.

For those looking to vary the dish further, you could experiment by adding different types of meat such as beef strips, shrimp, or tofu. You can also alter vegetable choices based on what’s available seasonally and personally preferred. Adding more herbs like cilantro or basil towards the end gives an extra freshness boost too.

Remember that cooking time depends greatly on your stove's heat level and whether you're using a wok instead of a regular frying pan; however, generally speaking, this recipe should take around 30 minutes from start to finish. It serves four people nicely for dinner but can easily be doubled or halved depending on household size.

The beauty of chicken stir-fry lies in its adaptability. You can tweak it according to what you have at home and your taste preferences. This versatile dish is not only enjoyable by itself but also forms a wonderful base for creating various dishes such as spring rolls, dumplings, or even soups later on.

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p>So why not give this easy chicken stir-fry recipe a try next time you're looking for an uncomplicated yet delightful meal? It's sure to become one of your go-to recipes for quick and delicious dinners. Enjoy cooking!