Perfectly Balanced Dinner: Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a popular dish among those seeking quick, nutritious meals that can be customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences. This versatile recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for stir-frying (approx. 2 tbsp)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Steps to Prepare Your Stir-Fry

To start with, prepare your ingredients by washing the vegetables and slicing them as specified above.

1. Cooking the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add cooking oil and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, prepare all vegetables by washing them thoroughly under running water. Slice the bell pepper, chop the onion finely, and cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Once done with chicken, reduce heat slightly and add garlic to the pan where you cooked chicken. Sauté until it is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Add chopped onions, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the pan with garlic. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 4-5 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.
5. Mix Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Once the veggies are done, add this mixture into the pan with all ingredients. Stir well to combine flavors.
6. Add Chicken: Finally, place the previously cooked chicken back into the pan along with any juices that may have accumulated during cooling. Allow everything to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until thoroughly heated through.

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Timing and Servings

This stir-fry dish requires approximately 15 minutes of active cooking time, including preparation. It serves 4-6 people as a main course, depending on individual appetites for vegetables. For those who prefer smaller portions or are sharing with friends, it can easily be halved.

Tips and Variations

• For added flavor, consider including other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini.
• To make it spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes towards the end of stir-frying.
• If you're using chicken thighs instead of breasts, increase cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious, filling up your plate with essential vitamins and minerals. Its quick assembly and delicious taste make it a go-to choice for anyone looking to enjoy wholesome meals without sacrificing convenience.