Perfectly Balanced Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Looking for a delicious and balanced meal that caters to all your taste buds? A stir-fry is the perfect choice! This versatile dish combines tender chicken with an assortment of colorful vegetables, creating a nutritious yet satisfying dinner. The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes and it serves 4 people generously.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for stir-frying (about 2 tablespoons)
• Toasted sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers into small dice shapes that are about half an inch in size. Thinly slice the onion and julienne the carrots for a crisp texture.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

For the chicken, you need to prepare it by slicing it into thin strips of about two inches long. Then mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced chicken to this mixture, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly coated. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you preheat your wok or large skillet over high heat.

Step 3: Stir-Fry

Add oil to your heated pan and swirl around to coat the surface evenly. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry for about a minute until fragrant. Add in the chicken strips and stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes or until they are fully cooked through (they should be no longer pink).

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, then add all of your prepared vegetables. Stir-fry them together with a bit of soy sauce for about 3-4 minutes or until they are just tender but still crisp. Mix in the cooked chicken back into the pan along with any juices from the plate.

Serve hot with toasted sesame seeds and green onions garnished on top.

This dish not only looks appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a delightful balance of flavors. The chicken provides a savory base, while the vegetables add freshness and crunch. Soy sauce adds a salty umami taste, while oyster sauce gives a subtle sweetness that complements every bite. Cornstarch helps create a slightly thickened gravy which ties all elements together beautifully.

Stir-fries are incredibly versatile dishes that can be customized according to personal preferences or available ingredients. For instance, if you're looking for more heat, you could add some chili flakes or dried red chilies. If you want something sweeter, a dash of honey might do the trick. Alternatively, this recipe would also pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Health Benefits:

This Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is more than just tasty; it’s packed full of essential nutrients that support overall health. Chicken provides a good amount of protein which helps in muscle repair and growth, while the vegetables contribute vital vitamins like vitamin C (found abundantly in bell peppers), vitamin A (from carrots) crucial for eye health, and folic acid present in onions.

The stir-fry method retains most of these nutrients as it involves minimal cooking time at high temperatures. Additionally, this dish has no refined sugars or processed fats which makes it a healthier option compared to deep fried foods often associated with the stir-fry category. However, it does contain sodium from soy and oyster sauces so please adjust according to your dietary needs.

Conclusion:

A Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is an easy yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Its adaptability allows for endless variations based on personal taste or nutritional goals making it a versatile addition to any weekly menu planning. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or want a special dinner party dish, this recipe has got you covered!