Quick & Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile and quick meal that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or as part of your weekend brunch. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and chicken, making it both cost-effective and deliciously satisfying. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those who are pressed for time but still want a nutritious and hearty meal.

This quick & easy chicken stir-fry serves four people and can be customized based on your taste preferences or what ingredients you have available. Whether you're looking to enjoy it with rice, noodles, or even over a salad, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. The key to the best results lies in using high-quality ingredients and cooking over medium-high heat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil for stir-frying
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers in any color of your choice
• 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Season it lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Heat up another 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.

3. Add the chicken to the hot pan, cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want your chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked through without any pinkness inside. Remove from heat once done.

4. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Stir-fry these vegetables together with another tablespoon of oil for about 3-4 minutes or until they just start to soften slightly but remain crisp-tender.

5. Add in the minced garlic and cook briefly (about a minute) until fragrant.

6. Return the chicken to the pan, along with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together well so all components are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Let it heat up for another couple of minutes.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or soy sauce according to your taste preference.

8. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired before serving hot directly from the pan onto plates.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and serves four people. However, since you can portion the ingredients accordingly, it's easy to adjust this amount for two or more servings if needed!

Tips and Variations

• For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked rice or noodles alongside your stir-fry.
• If you prefer less spicy food, reduce the heat when frying or omit any chili peppers entirely from the recipe.
• You could also add other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Chicken stir-fry is not only easy to make but also incredibly healthy. Packed full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in vegetables, this dish is an excellent choice for anyone watching their weight or simply wanting something nutritious yet satisfying. Plus, the preparation process itself is quick enough that you can easily combine it with other tasks around the house.