Chicken Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Set it aside while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until it's fully cooked and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and stir-fry the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth or water, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and toss everything together until well coated.
7. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the stir-fry ingredients.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
9. Serve the Chicken Stir-Fry over steamed rice or noodles.

History:

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique that originated in China. The method involves quickly frying small, bite-sized ingredients in a hot pan or wok, allowing them to retain their texture and flavors while being infused with delicious sauces and seasonings.

The Chicken Stir-Fry is a versatile and adaptable dish that has become popular worldwide. The use of fresh vegetables and lean chicken makes it a healthy and flavorful choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Today, various regional and international variations of Stir-Fry dishes exist, catering to different tastes and preferences. The Chicken Stir-Fry, with its delicious combination of vegetables and tender chicken, continues to be a beloved favorite among home cooks and restaurant-goers alike.

Interesting Facts:

- The term "stir-fry" is a translation of the Chinese cooking technique "chǎo" (炒).

- A well-seasoned wok is often used for stir-frying, as its shape and high heat retention allow for even cooking and quick tossing of ingredients.

- You can customize the vegetables in the Chicken Stir-Fry based on your preferences and what's available. Other popular choices include carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, and water chestnuts.

- For added spice, you can include sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes in the stir-fry sauce.

Note: Feel free to experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create your favorite version of Chicken Stir-Fry!