Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick & Delicious Meal for Busy Nights

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round and with many variations. It’s particularly popular during the winter months when fresh vegetables are not as abundant. This nutritious and easy-to-prepare meal is perfect for those looking to add more vegetables into their diet, without sacrificing taste or convenience. Below you will find all the necessary ingredients along with step-by-step instructions to create a hearty and satisfying chicken stir-fry in your very own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Slice them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce with olive oil or vegetable oil until thoroughly combined. Add the sliced chicken pieces to this mixture and toss well. Set aside for at least five minutes so that the flavors meld together.
3. While you wait on the marinade, start preparing your vegetables. Thinly slice the onions and mince the garlic. If using fresh ginger, grate it finely or chop into small pieces.
4. Once your chicken has marinated sufficiently, heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to ensure there is enough surface area for the stir-frying process.
5. Pour the marinated chicken strips onto the heated pan. Stir frequently and cook until they are no longer pink inside (about five minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
6. Now, add another tablespoon of oil to your pan. Once hot again, toss in the onions along with minced garlic and ginger if using. Cook these until they begin to soften slightly, stirring often for about two minutes.
7. Add the bell peppers followed by the broccoli florets; continue cooking everything together for approximately four more minutes or until both vegetables start becoming tender yet retain a bit of crunchiness.
8. Finally, place back into your skillet the previously cooked chicken strips. Combine all ingredients thoroughly and adjust seasoning according to taste with salt and pepper as needed before serving immediately.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes total prep time; around 20 minutes actual cooking time including marination period.

Servings: This recipe yields approximately four servings, which is enough to satisfy two adults or a family of one person each.

A healthy chicken stir-fry like this not only provides essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins A and C from bell peppers and broccoli but also contains antioxidants beneficial for overall health. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk factors associated with heart disease due to its low calorie content and high fiber levels.

If you're looking to vary your usual stir-fry recipes, consider adding other ingredients such as carrots, snap peas, or zucchini according to personal preferences and dietary needs. You might also experiment by substituting soy sauce for teriyaki sauce or even including tofu instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

For those who wish to incorporate additional herbs into their dish, cilantro leaves could be added right at the end just before serving; they add freshness without overpowering other flavors in your stir-fry. Another option would be adding some sesame seeds on top which brings nutty notes to complement everything else already present within the dish.