When it comes to whipping up a delicious and hassle - free dinner, few things can beat a chicken stir - fry. The combination of high heat and thin pieces of chicken makes for a quick and easy meal that can be on your table in no time. This recipe is not only simple but also highly customizable, allowing you to use your favorite bottled stir - fry sauce to add a burst of flavor.

Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. First and foremost, you'll need some chicken. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into thin strips. The thinness of the chicken pieces is crucial as it ensures that they cook through quickly under high heat. You can use a sharp knife to make clean, even cuts. Aim for strips that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This size will cook evenly and be tender and juicy when done.

Next, choose your favorite bottled stir - fry sauce. There are countless options available in the market, from sweet and savory teriyaki to spicy Szechuan. Consider your taste preferences and the flavors you enjoy. If you like a bit of heat, go for a sauce with chili peppers or a spicy blend. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, a honey - garlic or orange sauce might be the way to go. You can also experiment with different brands to find the one that suits your palate best.

Now, it's time to prep your vegetables. Stir - fries are a great way to incorporate a variety of veggies into your diet. Some popular choices include bell peppers, onions, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Wash and cut the vegetables into bite - sized pieces. Bell peppers can be sliced into strips, onions can be cut into thin wedges, and broccoli can be separated into florets. Carrots can be julienned or sliced thinly, and snow peas can be left whole. The key is to have all the vegetables cut to a similar size so that they cook evenly.

Before you start cooking, heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable oil or sesame oil. The oil will prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the pan and also add a nice flavor. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken strips to the pan. Spread them out in a single layer so that they cook evenly. You'll notice that the chicken starts to change color almost immediately. Stir the chicken frequently to ensure that all sides are cooked. This process should take about 3 - 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

Once the chicken is mostly cooked, add the vegetables to the pan. The high heat will quickly start to cook the vegetables, giving them a nice crunch. Stir the chicken and vegetables together continuously. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and ensures that all the ingredients are cooked at the same rate. As the vegetables start to soften, you can add your bottled stir - fry sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and stir well to coat everything evenly. The sauce will not only add flavor but also act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together.

Let the stir - fry cook for another 2 - 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You can adjust the cooking time based on how tender you like your vegetables. If you prefer them to be more crisp, cook for a shorter time. If you like them softer, cook for a bit longer. Once the stir - fry is done, remove it from the heat.

This chicken stir - fry can be served on its own or with a side of rice or noodles. If you're serving it with rice, you can use white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice. For noodles, you can choose from udon, soba, or spaghetti. The combination of the savory chicken stir - fry and the neutral base of the rice or noodles creates a balanced and satisfying meal.

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick meal later in the week. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and have it on hand for busy days. You can also add other ingredients to the stir - fry, such as mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts, to change up the texture and flavor.

In conclusion, this chicken stir - fry is a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. With high heat and thin pieces of chicken, along with your favorite bottled stir - fry sauce, you can create a delicious and healthy dinner in no time. So, head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and start cooking this wonderful recipe today!