Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry

Keyword: Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick and healthy recipe that can be ready in no time? Then, this Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry is perfect for you! This dish is packed with nutrients, rich flavors, and offers an excellent balance of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks.

The cooking time for this delicious stir-fry is approximately 30 minutes, including preparation time. You can serve it for a family of four as the recipe makes about 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced into strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
• 3 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Marinate the chicken.

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch mixture, garlic paste, and ginger paste. Add the sliced chicken strips to this marinade and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

Step 2: Prepare vegetables.

Cut up all your vegetables as instructed in the ingredient list above. Make sure they are ready before you start cooking; this will make the stir-fry process smoother.

Step 3: Heat oil and sauté garlic and ginger.

In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Add garlic paste and ginger paste; cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Garlic and ginger add a lot of flavor to the dish without overpowering other ingredients.

Stir-fry Chicken & Vegetables

Step 4: Stir-fry chicken first.

Add the marinated chicken strips into the pan. Stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes depending on their thickness. Remove them from heat with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.

Step 5: Add vegetables to the wok.

Pour in broccoli florets followed by carrots and red bell peppers into the same pan, tossing them until they are slightly tender but still crisp. This should only take about 4-5 minutes since the chicken is already partially cooked. Once the vegetables are done to your liking, return the chicken to the wok.

Sauce & Final Touches

Step 6: Make sauce.

Mix soy sauce and cornstarch solution together into a small bowl; pour this mixture back into the pan. Stir constantly until it thickens, about a minute or two. Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve.

Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sprinkle some peanuts or sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal. You could also serve it with noodles if preferred by your family members.

Health Benefits

This Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also very nutritious. It provides essential vitamins like vitamin C from the bell peppers and K from the broccoli, along with fiber-rich vegetables that promote digestive health. The chicken breast offers high-quality protein which supports muscle growth and repair.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can prepare a healthy quick meal in your kitchen without spending too much time or effort. This Quick & Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry is not only satisfying but also versatile; it goes well with different types of rice or noodles, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Give this recipe a try next week! You will love the simplicity yet satisfying taste of this dish. Enjoy your healthy cooking experience!