Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Dinner Choice

Chicken stir-fry is one of the most popular and versatile dishes that can be prepared in a hurry and enjoyed by people all over the world. This dish offers you the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and health benefits. Here’s how to prepare this delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips (about 3 cups)
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small green onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Steps to Prepare Chicken Stir-Fry

Begin by marinating the chicken strips. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the sliced chicken breasts into this mixture and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.

While your chicken is marinating, prepare vegetables. Slice one large red bell pepper and finely chop a green onion. Set these aside until you're ready to stir-fry.

Heat up three tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add your chicken strips and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently so that all sides get browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

For the stir-fry sauce, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little bit of water to make a smooth consistency. Pour this over the vegetables in your skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly soft but still crisp. Next, return the chicken pieces back into the pan along with any accumulated juices from the plate.

Stir-fry everything together for an additional 1 minute or so to ensure the flavors meld nicely before adding the red bell pepper slices and green onions towards the end of cooking just enough time for them to heat through but stay fresh. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if desired as garnish.

Cooking Time & Serving

The total preparation time for this chicken stir-fry is approximately 15-20 minutes including the marinating period. It yields about four servings which make it perfect for a busy weekday dinner or even packed lunches at work.

Additional Tips

• To enhance flavor, add some sliced carrots or snap peas during the last minute of cooking with bell peppers and onions.
• If you prefer milder heat levels in your dish, reduce the amount of garlic and ginger used; alternatively, you may also omit these ingredients entirely based on personal taste preferences.

Conclusion

A well-prepared chicken stir-fry not only satisfies the palate but also provides essential nutrients. Its simplicity allows for customization according to individual likes while maintaining balanced proportions of protein and vegetables. Try out this recipe today and enjoy a quick, delicious meal that is sure to become a favorite within your household!