Simple Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Quick and Healthy Meal

Serving Size: 4 servings Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Chicken stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a weeknight meal or for family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices makes it not only delicious but also nutritious. This recipe provides an easy-to-follow guide to prepare this popular dish at home.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with a little water for thickening the sauce

To begin, prepare your ingredients by slicing the chicken into thin strips. While you can use raw chicken breasts, cooking them first in a skillet until golden brown adds extra flavor to the dish. For the vegetables, simply cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside on a plate to keep warm.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for a minute or so until fragrant. Next, toss in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are just tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Return the chicken to the pan along with the green onions. Mix everything together well. If desired, mix the cornstarch slurry into the vegetables and sauce until it thickens slightly to create a rich and savory sauce around your stir-fry ingredients.

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles of your choice. Garnish with sesame seeds or additional green onions if you wish for an extra touch.

Chicken Stir-Fry is not just tasty; it's also very adaptable to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. You can replace chicken with tofu, add more vegetables like carrots or snow peas, or substitute the soy sauce for a different type of sauce based on your taste preference.

Health Benefits

Chicken stir-fry is packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. Chicken provides high-quality protein which supports muscle growth and repair. Vegetables like broccoli are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost the immune system. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial for digestive health.

Tips For Success

For best results when stir-frying chicken, ensure your pan is very hot before adding any ingredients to seal in juices. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan as this can lead to steaming rather than searing which changes how quickly and evenly food browns.

Variations

Try experimenting with different sauces or marinades for your chicken stir-fry. A light teriyaki sauce adds sweetness while a spicy sriracha mixture provides heat. Adding various spices such as cumin, turmeric, or paprika can enhance flavors and aromas.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with plain rice or noodles. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over quinoa or bulgur wheat. It also makes an excellent topping for salads dressed with sesame ginger dressing.

Chicken stir-fry can be adapted into different versions such as a Thai style using lemongrass and tamarind paste, a Vietnamese version incorporating spring rolls, or even as an Italian variation substituting chicken with shrimp and replacing the noodles with pasta. Each variation offers unique flavors but maintains the simplicity of preparation.

In conclusion, chicken stir-fry is more than just another dish; it’s a gateway to exploring diverse culinary cultures through simple yet effective methods. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or planning an elaborate dinner party, this recipe ensures satisfaction on every occasion.