Simple Chicken Stir-Fry

A simple chicken stir-fry can be a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. It takes approximately 30 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Serves four people generously.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Olive oil for stir-frying

Instructions

Start by preparing the vegetables. While they are cooking, you can also season your chicken with a little salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, toss together the chicken pieces and soy sauce to coat them evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so that the flavors can penetrate into the meat.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Slice the carrots diagonally into thin strips and cut the broccoli florets into small bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice the red bell pepper into strips of similar thickness to the other vegetables.

Heat up a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat until it's quite hot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, depending on your preference for cooking oil.

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry them until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 5 minutes. If you prefer a crisper texture, you can use sesame oil instead of olive oil as it gives a slight nutty flavor that complements the dish well.

Remove the chicken from the wok/skillet and set aside in a small bowl or plate. Now add the garlic to the pan, stir-fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

• Add vegetables: Add the sliced carrots first as they need more time to cook compared to the broccoli and bell peppers which are done quickly once tender.
• Toss gently: Stir-fry each vegetable separately for a minute or two until they have slightly wilted, then mix them all together. Cook until everything is heated through but still crisp-tender; overcooking will make your vegetables mushy.

Once the veggies are done, return the chicken to the pan and toss it around gently with the stir-fried vegetables. If you want a little more flavor, add a splash of soy sauce towards the end before serving if desired.

Serve immediately while still hot from the pan, optionally garnished with some sesame seeds or green onions for extra color and texture. Enjoy your simple yet tasty chicken stir-fry!

Tips & Variations

• Protein Options: Chicken is versatile but you could also use beef strips, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to swap out the vegetables according to what's fresh and seasonal. Bell peppers can be replaced by zucchini slices if desired, while other leafy greens like spinach or kale can be added at the end of cooking time with just a minute of heating.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for additional texture and flavor.

This simple chicken stir-fry is not only nutritious but also provides variety in taste. The combination of sweet carrots, slightly tangy soy sauce, the spiciness from bell peppers and garlic creates a delightful balance that appeals to different palates. Feel free to adjust seasoning based on personal preferences, adding more soy for extra umami or less if you want it milder.

Conclusion

A simple chicken stir-fry is an excellent choice when looking for quick yet satisfying meals. Its flexibility allows for customization according to individual tastes and dietary needs making this recipe suitable for any household. Whether served as part of a balanced meal or enjoyed on its own, this dish proves that simplicity can indeed be rewarding.