Quick & Easy Chicken Stir-Fry: A Quick Weeknight Meal

Looking for a quick dinner option that can be ready in just 20 minutes? This Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something simple but still delicious. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, this stir-fry can be on the table in no time. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water (to thicken the sauce, optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Garnish: chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry that will help thicken the sauce slightly if desired.

2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

3. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and sauté until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then add the garlic and ginger for an additional minute or so to release their flavors.

4. Return the chicken to the pan along with the sliced red pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry all ingredients together until everything is heated through, about another 3-4 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the stir-fry and cook for an additional minute or two to allow flavors to meld.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, thin out any extra sauce by adding a little more water or thickening it up slightly using the cornstarch slurry.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal!

Cooking Time: 20 minutes including preparation time.
Servings: Serves 4 as a main course, or serves 6-8 as a side dish.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry:

• Use high heat to ensure the chicken gets nice and golden brown. This also seals in its juices.

• To keep your stir-fry hot, once everything is mixed together, transfer it immediately from the wok into a bowl or serving platter before adding more ingredients such as sauce, so they don’t cook too much further.

• If you like extra tangy flavors, feel free to add some additional soy sauce towards the end of cooking. Just remember not to overdo it; otherwise, your dish might become overpoweringly salty!

• For added texture and flavor variation, consider adding other vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms.

A quick chicken stir-fry offers so much more than just being an efficient dinner solution. It’s versatile enough to incorporate various flavors depending on what ingredients you have available at home. Whether you're looking for something savory and satisfying or slightly sweet from the oyster sauce, this recipe provides a great foundation upon which to build any number of variations.

With its balanced combination of proteins and vegetables, chicken stir-fry is not only convenient but also nutritious. The dish encourages healthier eating habits by incorporating whole grains like brown rice into your meal plan, thus promoting long-term well-being while providing immediate satisfaction during those busy weeknight dinners.

Conclusion

This Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting to explore kitchen basics, this dish offers an excellent introduction to stir-frying techniques. Plus, it serves up wonderfully well as both a main course and a side dish, making it incredibly versatile too.

By following these straightforward steps, you can quickly prepare this meal without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Try different vegetables, sauces, or spices according to your preference for endless variations on this delicious base recipe! Happy cooking!