Perfectly Balanced Chicken Stir-Fry: A Healthy Meal for Your Busy Week

Chicken stir-fry is a popular dish that has been enjoyed by many families worldwide. This versatile meal can be customized in countless ways to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. With the right ingredients, you can create a balanced stir-fry that is both flavorful and nutritious.

This recipe will provide you with everything you need to prepare this delicious chicken dish at home. You’ll have dinner on your table within 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The cooking time required for this meal is around 25 minutes, and the total preparation time should take about 15 minutes. This recipe will serve four people.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt to taste (if needed)

To begin, prepare the chicken by marinating it with soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let it sit for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.

Instructions

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until very hot.
2. Add vegetable oil to the pan and swirl to coat evenly.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat dry with paper towels, and sauté in the hot pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside when done.
4. In the same pan, add sliced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
5. Add carrots, green bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms to the pan; continue cooking for another 5 minutes until all vegetables are just tender-crisp. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and mix well ensuring that it absorbs some of the flavors from the veggies and sauce.
7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with soy sauce; simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

For those looking to enhance their meal further, consider adding additional vegetables or protein sources such as tofu or shrimp. You can also incorporate various sauces like oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for extra flavor. Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate): Calories: 350, Protein: 45g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 16g.

Tips and Variations

• To make this dish spicier or milder, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Use different types of chicken such as thighs if you prefer more flavor but less cooking time. Thighs will take approximately 6-7 minutes per side instead of 3-4 minutes for breasts.
• Incorporate other vegetables like bok choy, broccoli florets, or zucchini into your stir-fry to diversify the taste and nutritional value.

Chicken stir-fry is not only quick to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients. It’s a fantastic choice if you're searching for healthy yet satisfying meals that won't break the bank. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious dish that satisfies your cravings without compromising on quality or health.

The balanced chicken stir-fry offers an excellent opportunity to explore various flavors and textures while keeping ingredients simple and accessible. Whether you’re looking for weekday dinners or weekend feasts, this versatile recipe has something to offer everyone in the family. Try experimenting with different spices and vegetables; every batch will be a delightful surprise!