Perfectly Balanced Dinner Ideas: A Simple Guide to Stir-Fried Vegetables with Chicken

Stir-fried vegetables with chicken is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for many years by food lovers all over the world. This versatile meal can be easily customized and adjusted according to personal taste preferences. It's a healthy yet satisfying option, especially when served with a side of rice or noodles.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the variety of vegetables you choose to use in your dish. The number of servings can be adjusted according to the size of your family or the number of guests at your dinner table. A typical serving would accommodate around 4 people.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust according to taste)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil or cooking spray for non-stick use
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 medium zucchini, sliced thinly
1 carrot, peeled and julienned
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
3 green onions, chopped for garnish
Salt to taste
Paprika or black pepper for seasoning

Instructions

To start, you’ll want to marinate the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chicken pieces into this mixture and let it sit in the fridge for about half an hour.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables by chopping them as described above. Heat up your pan with the remaining tablespoon of oil until hot but not smoking. Sear the chicken for a few minutes on both sides, then remove it from the pan and set aside while you cook the vegetables.

Once the chicken is done, add minced garlic to the same skillet and let it sizzle briefly before tossing in your vegetables one at a time so that they cook evenly. Stir-fry the bell peppers first for about 2 minutes; then follow up with the zucchini and carrots until everything is just tender but still crisp.

Once the veggies are almost done, return the chicken to the pan along with any sauce left in its marinade if desired. Mix well over low heat while stirring frequently so as not to break up pieces of meat too much. If you like a little extra flavor, now would be an excellent time to add oyster sauce.

Tips for Success

Make sure your vegetables are cut into uniformly sized pieces; this helps ensure that everything cooks at the same rate.
The longer you let the chicken sit in marinade, the more flavorful it will become. If you're pressed for time, however, a few minutes should still yield great results!
Don't overcrowd your pan; working with smaller batches allows ingredients to cook properly without sticking together.

To serve, simply arrange the stir-fried vegetables and chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for color and extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Calories: 400 per serving
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 36g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 100% DV
Copper: 20% DV
Magnesium: 8% DV

Conclusion

This simple yet delicious recipe for stir-fried vegetables with chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly nutritious and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick weekday dinner or want something special for company, this dish fits the bill perfectly. By following these steps closely, you can create a meal that will delight both your senses and your body.

If you try this recipe out, please share any tips or modifications in the comments below. Happy cooking!