Imagine creating a quick, delicious meal with just five ingredients, including tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.
This chicken stir-fry with rice transforms weeknight dinners into a flavorful experience.
With precise steps and minimal prep, you’ll master the art of balancing savory soy sauce with the natural sweetness of red bell peppers and the freshness of broccoli.
Perfectly paired with rice, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction and ease.
Ready to explore this culinary simplicity?
Kitchen Tools Required
To make the 6-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry efficiently, guarantee you have the essential kitchen tools ready.
Start by selecting a large skillet, which will be your main cooking vessel.
You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife to slice your chicken and vegetables precisely.
A reliable spatula is vital for stirring and ensuring even cooking.
Finally, a measuring cup will help you portion the soy sauce accurately. Here’s a quick reference:
| Tool | Purpose | Material Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Large Skillet | Cooking | Non-stick or cast iron |
| Cutting Board | Chopping ingredients | Wood or plastic |
| Knife | Slicing chicken & veggies | Stainless steel |
These tools will streamline your process, allowing you to focus on technique and ingredient preparation.
Recipe
This quick and easy 6-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish provides a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.
The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sweet red bell pepper, all coated in savory soy sauce, offers a delightful, flavorful experience that’s sure to be a hit.
Start by gathering your ingredients and preparing your vegetables.
Slicing the chicken breasts evenly will guarantee they cook uniformly, while the vibrant colors of the broccoli and red bell pepper will add visual appeal to your dish.
Serve over a bed of warm, fluffy rice for a complete meal that not only tastes great but also provides a balanced serving of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
To cook the dish, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until they turn golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Then, stir in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Pour the soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to guarantee everything is evenly coated.
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the stir-fry to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Finally, serve the stir-fry over the cooked rice.
For best results, make certain to slice the chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce.
Adjust the soy sauce quantity to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy this dish as a quick and nutritious meal option.
Cook & Prep Time
When preparing the 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry, you’ll appreciate the efficiency of its short cook and prep times.
With just 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes on the stove, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
The simplicity of this dish allows you to focus on technique without getting bogged down by lengthy processes.
Here’s what you’ll need to take into account:
- Prep Time: Spend 10 minutes slicing chicken and vegetables.
- Cook Time: Maintain medium-high heat for a quick 15-minute cook.
- Resting Time: Allow 5 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
- Total Time: In under 30 minutes, dinner is served.
Precision in cutting and timing guarantees tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, making this stir-fry both efficient and flavorful.
Cooking Steps
Start by heating the vegetable oil in your skillet until it shimmers, signaling it’s ready for the chicken.
Cook the sliced chicken until it’s golden brown, then add the broccoli and red bell pepper, stirring for a uniform texture.
Pour in the soy sauce, ensuring it coats every ingredient, and let the stir-fry rest briefly before serving.
Step 1. Warm Oil in Skillet
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
As the oil warms, you’ll notice a slight shimmer on the surface, a sign it’s ready for cooking.
Heating the oil properly is essential for achieving the right sear on your ingredients.
Here are a few key considerations:
- Consistency of Heat: Maintain medium-high heat to avoid burning the oil.
- Skillet Size: Use a large skillet to guarantee even cooking and avoid overcrowding.
- Oil Type: Vegetable oil is ideal for its high smoke point.
- Preheating Time: Allow the skillet to heat for a minute or so for best results.
This step sets the stage for a successful stir-fry, allowing flavors to develop and ingredients to cook evenly.
Step 2. Brown Chicken in Skillet
Once the oil is shimmering in the skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts.
Spread them out in an even layer to guarantee they brown properly.
Maintain medium-high heat; this helps achieve a golden crust without overcooking the inside.
Use a spatula to turn the pieces occasionally, giving each side contact with the hot surface.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink inside and has a light golden-brown exterior.
Pay attention to the color and texture; the goal is a juicy interior with a slightly crisp surface.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
If necessary, cook in batches to keep the heat consistent and evenly distributed.
Step 3. Add Vegetables to Skillet
Toss the vibrant broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
Stir the vegetables, guaranteeing they’re evenly distributed and coated in the remaining oil.
Keep the heat at medium-high to achieve a quick sauté, preserving the vegetables’ crisp texture and vivid color.
As you cook, make sure the vegetables become tender yet retain a slight crunch for ideal flavor and texture balance.
Focus on:
- Uniform Cutting: Make sure the broccoli and bell pepper are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Heat Management: Maintain consistent heat to avoid soggy vegetables.
- Stirring Technique: Use a wide spatula to mix, flipping ingredients for even exposure to heat.
- Timing: Cook for about 5 minutes, checking for desired tenderness.
This method infuses flavors while keeping the vegetables fresh.
Step 4. Add Soy Sauce Evenly
Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to guarantee precision.
As you pour, maintain a steady hand to distribute the sauce uniformly.
This assures every bite is rich with flavor.
Quickly grab your spatula and stir the mixture, making sure the soy sauce coats each piece of chicken and every vegetable slice.
The key here is balance; you want each ingredient to soak in the savory essence of the soy sauce without overwhelming the dish.
Keep the spatula moving to avoid any pooling of sauce at the bottom of the skillet.
Your goal is a harmonious blend, where the soy sauce enhances rather than dominates.
Step 5. Let Stir-Fry Cool Briefly
After removing the skillet from the heat, it’s essential to let the stir-fry cool briefly for exactly five minutes.
This step guarantees the flavors meld and the juices redistribute, enhancing the dish’s overall taste and texture.
Timing is vital, so set a timer to keep yourself on track. During this brief pause, you can:
- Plate the cooked rice: Spread it evenly on each plate for serving.
- Prepare garnishes: Chop fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions, if desired.
- Check the seasoning: Taste and adjust with a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of salt if needed.
- Clean up the workspace: Wipe down surfaces and put away any unused ingredients.
These few minutes refine your dish, guaranteeing a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
When crafting a 5-ingredient chicken stir-fry, simplicity is key to achieving a dish that’s both flavorful and efficient.
Focus on precision with your ingredients—each element should shine.
The chicken, sliced uniformly, guarantees even cooking, while the choice of fresh broccoli and bell pepper adds vibrant color and nutrients.
Proper heat management is essential.
Start with a hot skillet to sear the chicken until golden, then reduce slightly when adding vegetables to maintain their crisp-tender texture.
Soy sauce unifies these flavors, so adjust it to suit your taste or opt for low-sodium versions if desired.
Finally, serve this stir-fry over rice, allowing the grains to soak up the savory juices.
This dish exemplifies how minimal ingredients can deliver maximum impact when executed with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just thaw it completely and pat dry before adding it to the skillet. This prevents excess moisture, ensuring your stir-fry isn’t soggy and maintains a good texture.
What Other Protein Can Substitute Chicken?
You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef. Make sure tofu is pressed and cubed, shrimp deveined and peeled, or beef thinly sliced. Adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave. Guarantee even heating by stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Replace soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Check all ingredient labels for hidden gluten. Use fresh veggies and rice, ensuring no cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Stir-Fry?
Reheat your stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally for even heating. Alternatively, microwave it covered on medium power, stirring halfway, until heated through. Enjoy!
6-Ingredient Chicken Stir-Fry With Rice
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour the soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the stir-fry rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken stir-fry over cooked rice.
Notes
