Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Nutritious Dinner Option

Achieving a healthy balance in your diet is easier than ever with this nutritious chicken stir-fry recipe. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, colorful vegetables, and a light sauce to create a balanced meal that's not only delicious but also packed full of essential nutrients. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a weeknight meal prep, this stir-fry can be customized based on your dietary preferences or what ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional for those who prefer it)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Instructions

1. First, prepare the vegetables. Wash and trim the broccoli, slice carrots thinly, and dice red bell peppers into small pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken breasts with garlic and soy sauce (if using). Stir well to ensure that all the meat gets coated evenly. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes in your refrigerator.
3. While waiting, heat up two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat on a large skillet or wok until it starts shimmering slightly.
4. Add the chicken and stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes or until it begins to turn white. Remove from the pan carefully, setting aside on a plate.
5. Next, reduce the heat down to medium-low and add more oil if necessary (about half a tablespoon). Add the vegetables one by one into the skillet; stir-fry them for about 5 minutes or until they become slightly tender. You want your carrots to have some crunch remaining but still be cooked enough that you can bite through them easily.
6. Once all the veggies are done cooking, push everything aside in the middle of the pan and pour back the chicken pieces into the center of the stir-fry. Allow it to sit there for another 1-2 minutes as a final touch-up before combining everything together again gently using tongs.
7. At this point, you could also drizzle some soy sauce over top if preferred; however, since we're aiming towards healthiness here, I would recommend not doing so unless absolutely necessary.
8. Final step! Sprinkle sesame seeds on top as garnish for extra flavor and texture. Serve hot directly from the wok or skillet onto plates.

Enjoy your homemade healthy chicken stir-fry with a balanced blend of protein and vegetables. This versatile dish can easily be modified according to personal taste, whether you want to add more spices like chili powder, cumin seeds, or even a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end for citrusy zest.

To make it extra special, consider serving this stir-fry with steamed rice or quinoa on the side. If you're looking for an additional boost in nutrition, serve this alongside a side salad made from mixed greens tossed together with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.

For those interested in exploring similar recipes, here are some suggestions: How about trying out our quick and easy beef stir-fry recipe next? Or perhaps you'd like to give our creamy broccoli chicken soup a whirl for something lighter yet equally satisfying? Both these dishes share the same core principles of healthy eating – whole ingredients combined into one flavorful meal that satisfies both body and mind.