Chicken Stir-Fry: A Simple, Delicious Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
This chicken stir-fry recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that's packed with flavor and nutrients. It's perfect for busy individuals or families looking for a healthy and satisfying dinner option. This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, using whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions for a Flavorful Chicken Stir-Fry:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and ensures even cooking.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the bell peppers and broccoli and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. Push the vegetables to the side of the wok.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you like a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes at this stage.
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Add Snow Peas: Stir in the snow peas and cook for another minute, until they are tender-crisp.
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Serve: Serve the chicken stir-fry hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcrowd the wok: If you have a lot of ingredients, stir-fry them in batches to prevent steaming.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or ginger to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more filling meal.
This simple chicken stir-fry recipe is a perfect example of a quick and healthy meal. It’s versatile, delicious, and can easily be adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy!
