Chicken Stir-Fry

 Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced or grated
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.), sliced or chopped
• 1 cup baby corn, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots (optional)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions:

For the Marinade:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with the soy sauce, rice wine or dry sherry, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper.
   • Toss to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

For the Stir-Fry:

2. Heat the Oil:

   • Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir-Fry the Chicken:

   • Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer.
   • Allow it to sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to develop a nice sear. Then, stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

5. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
   • Add the sliced onion, mixed vegetables, and any optional vegetables you're using (baby corn, water chestnuts, etc.). Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

6. Combine and Sauce:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
   • Pour in the chicken broth or water, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using). Stir everything together.

7. Finish and Serve:

   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables.
   • Garnish your chicken stir-fry with chopped green onions.
   • Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade chicken stir-fry, a delicious and customizable dish that's ready in no time. You can adapt the vegetables and sauces to your taste, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners.