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–+ servings
Close-up of a vibrant chicken and vegetable stir-fry, featuring broccoli, red, and yellow peppers, a perfect example of easy dinner recipes.

Quick Dinner Ideas for Your Busy Weeknights: 7 Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Dinner Recipes

This guide provides seven straightforward tips to help you prepare simple, satisfying dinners quickly on busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein and Produce
  • 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 cup Broccoli florets
  • 1 cup Sliced bell peppers (any color)
Sauce Components
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce Low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp Honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ginger powder

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Tip 1: Prep ingredients first. Cut the chicken, chop the vegetables, and measure out all sauce ingredients before you start cooking.
  2. Tip 2: Use high heat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  3. Tip 3: Cook protein quickly. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and nearly cooked through.
  4. Tip 4: Add vegetables in stages. Add the broccoli florets and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  5. Tip 5: Mix the sauce while cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
  6. Tip 6: Sauce and finish. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly.
  7. Tip 7: Serve immediately. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles if desired. This meal is ready in about 30 minutes total.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For faster cleanup, use pre-cut vegetables. If you prefer more flavor, use fresh minced garlic and ginger instead of powders, adding them just before the sauce.

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