Stir-Fry Chicken: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe for Weeknight Dinners
Stir-fry chicken is a quick, easy, and incredibly versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe focuses on simplicity, allowing you to adjust seasonings and vegetables to your liking. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will help you create a delicious and satisfying stir-fry.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite-sized pieces. Using boneless, skinless chicken ensures quick cooking time.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: This helps to tenderize the chicken and create a slightly thicker sauce.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Provides a savory base for the flavor profile. Low sodium soy sauce is a great option.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a delicious nutty aroma and flavor.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables. You can also substitute with canola or peanut oil.
- 1 bell pepper (any color): Sliced into strips. Experiment with different colors for visual appeal and varied flavors.
- 1 onion: Thinly sliced. Red onion adds a nice bite.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Or your favorite vegetable like snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch.
- 1 tbsp ginger (optional): Grated. Fresh ginger adds a spicy kick.
- Green onions: For garnish (optional).
Instructions for Perfect Stir-Fry Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and helps it cook more evenly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents some vegetables from becoming overcooked while others are still raw.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the onion and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the broccoli (or your chosen vegetable) and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) to the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Stir to combine everything. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with green onions (if desired) and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of stir-frying. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use high heat: High heat is key to achieving that signature stir-fry texture.
- Prep your ingredients beforehand: Mise en place (having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go) is crucial for a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Get creative with vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables to create your own unique stir-fry combinations.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or other seasonings to your liking.
This recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize to your preference. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect stir-fry chicken! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy cooking!
