Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Begin by preparing all your vegetables: slice the onion, bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Cut the chicken into thin strips for even cooking.
   • If you’re serving the stir fry with rice, cook the rice according to package instructions and keep it warm.
2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch. Add water a little at a time to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir Fry the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the onion, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and zucchini. Stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help cook the vegetables faster and to prevent them from burning.
5. Add the Garlic and Ginger:
   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and stir fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Stir everything together to combine. Pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and toss well to coat everything evenly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken stir fry over the cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red chili flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stir Fry:

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add your favorite stir fry vegetables. Snow peas, mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn are excellent choices. The more colorful the veggies, the more vibrant and appealing your dish will look.
• Marinate the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
• Use a Hot Pan: Stir frying works best on a hot pan or wok. A high heat helps cook the ingredients quickly while retaining their crispness and color.
• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, adjust the amount of honey, soy sauce, or chili flakes accordingly.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Also, ensure the oyster sauce you use is gluten-free or opt for a gluten-free stir fry sauce.

Conclusion:

Chicken stir fry with vegetables is an incredibly versatile, healthy, and delicious meal that comes together quickly and easily. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a great option for those looking for a nutritious yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to family and friends, this stir fry is sure to be a hit. So next time you’re craving something fresh and full of flavor, try making this simple chicken stir fry—you won’t be disappointed!