Why Make This Recipe
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. With the combination of tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it offers not only great taste but also appealing nutrition. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited but you still want to serve a home-cooked meal. You can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, using fresh ingredients means you’re feeding your family something wholesome. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of veggies into your diet, and with simple ingredients, you won’t find yourself stressed while cooking.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Directions:
Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper. This will add flavor to the meat as it cooks.
Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and continue to cook for about 30 seconds. This will release wonderful aromas that fill your kitchen.
Add the Vegetables: Toss in the mixed vegetables next. Stir-fry them for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. This ensures that the veggies maintain their color and nutrients.
Pour in Soy Sauce: Once the veggies are ready, pour in the soy sauce and mix well to combine all the flavors.
Taste and Adjust: Give your stir-fry a taste. If you feel it needs more seasoning, add more salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry can be served in various ways. The most common serving suggestion is to place a generous portion of cooked rice on a plate and top it with the chicken and vegetable stir-fry. You can also drizzle a little extra soy sauce on top if you like it saucier. For a special touch, consider garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. This dish also pairs well with a side of fresh salad or a light soup for a balanced meal.
How to Store Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
If you have leftovers, storing your Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is quite simple. Let it cool completely once you’re done eating. Transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This dish will keep well for 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container, and it should last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
Cut Evenly: Ensure that the chicken and vegetables are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Small, uniform pieces will cook faster and give better texture.
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can chop the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can whip up your stir-fry in no time.
High Heat: Cooking on high heat is key for stir-fry. It sears the chicken and keeps vegetables crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only taste better, but they also retain more nutrients. Opt for in-season vegetables for maximum flavor.
Experiment with Sauces: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces and spices. You could try adding a splash of hoisin sauce or chili paste for an added kick.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider the following variations:
Protein Swap: You can use other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the protein used.
Different Veggies: Substitute the mixed vegetables with your favorites. Snow peas, snap peas, or zucchini work well in stir-fries too.
Noodle Stir-Fry: Instead of serving it over rice, toss in some cooked noodles to make it a noodle stir-fry. This creates a hearty and filling dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the pan, so they don’t steam instead of stir-frying.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This dish goes well with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa or even a fresh side salad for extra crunch.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
With this easy recipe, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and nourishing meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
A quick, delicious, and healthy stir-fry featuring tender chicken and colorful vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Pour in soy sauce and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve stir-fry hot over cooked rice.
Notes
Cut chicken and vegetables evenly for uniform cooking. Use fresh ingredients for better taste and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken stir-fry, quick dinner, healthy recipe, easy stir-fry, family meal