Simple Stir-Fried Chicken with Vegetables

Keyword: simple stir-fried chicken

Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? If so, this simple stir-fried chicken recipe is perfect for you. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.

This dish combines tender chunks of chicken with colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, creating a visually appealing plate. The stir-frying method ensures that the chicken stays juicy while the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly on an angle
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening the sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

Prepare your ingredients by slicing the peppers and cutting the vegetables. Have all other items ready as you will need to quickly stir-fry everything in a short period of time.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon or tongs and set aside. Wipe out any excess oil from the pan with a paper towel.
3. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and increase the heat to high. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Next, add all the sliced vegetables except for the broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for around 4-5 minutes or until they start to soften slightly but remain crisp. You want them to have a good amount of crunch in this dish.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and mix thoroughly with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, and water or broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken-vegetable combination and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Finally, add the broccoli florets and continue stirring until everything is hot and well combined.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fried chicken can be served over steamed rice or noodles. The combination of flavors makes it a great option to pair with jasmine rice for a more traditional feel, while also being delicious on top of zucchini noodles if you prefer a lighter option.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (approximately 1/4 of the dish) provides approximately:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

Cooking Time and Servings

Cooking Time: About 20 minutes of active cooking time. Total preparation and cooking time is around 45 minutes including cooling down periods between steps.

Servings: This dish yields approximately 3-4 servings, depending on the size of your appetite!

Tips for Perfect Results

• To ensure that the chicken is juicy and flavorful, cook it first before adding vegetables to avoid overcooking both together.
• The amount of oyster sauce can be adjusted based on personal taste. Omitting it will give you a more authentic stir-fry flavor without the umami punch.
• For a heartier meal, consider adding some sliced mushrooms or thinly cut celery along with your carrots and peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

This simple yet satisfying dish proves that great meals don't need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a tasty stir-fried chicken packed full of flavor and nutrients.