Quick Dinners: 7-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry Magic

quick dinners

By:

Julia marin

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of whipping up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes! Quick dinners have a special place in my heart, and this chicken stir-fry is one of my go-to recipes when I’m craving something savory yet speedy. I love how versatile stir-fries are—you can toss in almost any veggie you have on hand, and the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, when you get that perfect sear on the chicken and the veggies are still crisp, it’s pure magic! So, grab your skillet, and let’s dive into a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor and made in a flash!

quick dinners - detail 1

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and tasty chicken stir-fry:

  • 1 lb chicken breast: Make sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking.
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables: I love using a colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Fresh or frozen works!
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce: This adds that delicious umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your salt.
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil: A must for that nutty aroma—heat it up before adding your ingredients.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Minced for maximum flavor impact. Fresh is best!
  • 1 inch ginger: Grated ginger adds a lovely warmth to the dish. Don’t skip it!
  • 1 tsp cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce for a nice glossy finish.
  • 1/4 cup water: To mix with the cornstarch and soy sauce, creating a smooth sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: Just to taste, but be mindful if using regular soy sauce.

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! This chicken stir-fry comes together in a flash, so it’s all about timing and keeping things moving. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

  1. Heat the skillet: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, so the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan!
  2. Cook the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn—nobody likes bitter garlic!
  3. Add the chicken: Next, toss in the sliced chicken breast. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want it golden but not dry, so keep an eye on it.
  4. In with the veggies: Now, add your mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until they’re vibrant and tender-crisp. This is where you’ll get that beautiful color and texture!
  5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Pour this over the chicken and veggies, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken and vegetables. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s nice and glossy!
  7. Serve it up: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy your quick and flavorful dinner!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for one serving of this delicious chicken stir-fry:

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish!
  • Packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch from fresh veggies.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
  • Customizable with any veggies or proteins you have on hand.
  • Healthy and balanced, with a great mix of protein and nutrients.
  • One-pan cleanup means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!

Tips for Success

To really elevate your chicken stir-fry, here are some tips that have worked wonders for me:

  • Prep ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is all about speed, and having everything prepped makes a world of difference!
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add too much chicken or veggies at once, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Experiment with heat: Adjust your skillet’s temperature if you notice things aren’t sizzling as they should. A hot pan will give you that lovely charred flavor.
  • Customize your sauce: Feel free to add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick!

Variations

One of the best things about this chicken stir-fry is how easily it adapts to your taste! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a fantastic vegetarian option. You can also try shrimp or beef for a different protein twist. As for veggies, feel free to use whatever you have on hand—snap peas, zucchini, or even baby corn work beautifully. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins to ensure everything is cooked just right. Get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

To make your chicken stir-fry even more delightful, consider serving it over a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all those delicious flavors. Noodles like soba or rice noodles are also fantastic options! For a fresh touch, add a side of crunchy cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar. And don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (which is always a bonus!), let the stir-fry cool to room temperature before storing. Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. Just toss it back into a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. This way, you keep that lovely texture and flavor intact. Enjoy your quick dinner all over again!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this chicken stir-fry! It’s such a quick and satisfying meal that I know you’ll love. After you make it, come back and share your experience or any tweaks you made. Your feedback means the world to me, so don’t be shy—leave a comment or rating!

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quick dinners

Quick Dinners: 7-Minute Chicken Stir-Fry Magic


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A simple and fast recipe for a savory chicken stir-fry that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Introduce chicken slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and water.
  6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu.
  • You can use any vegetables you prefer.
  • Serve with sesame seeds for garnish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: quick dinners

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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