Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal option? Look no further! Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a classic dish that never disappoints. Packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor, Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
To make this savory stir fry, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Broccoli
For the veggie component, gather:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Sauce
And don’t forget the flavorful sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Preparation
Marinating Chicken
First, marinate the chicken slices in soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Preparing Broccoli
While the chicken marinates, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
Making Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chicken broth until well combined. Set aside.
Cooking Process
Stir-Frying Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Frying Broccoli
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Mixing Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken and broccoli stir fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Health Benefits
Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides lean protein, while broccoli offers vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, the homemade sauce adds depth of flavor without the excess sodium found in many store-bought sauces.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences:
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this stir fry.
Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
Add More Veggies: Mix in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips and Tricks
For the perfect chicken and broccoli stir fry every time, keep these tips in mind:
Preheat Your Pan: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: opt for fresh, high-quality chicken and broccoli stir fry for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken and broccoli stir fry is a versatile and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this satisfying meal in no time. So why not give it a try and treat yourself to a delicious homemade dinner tonight?
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep the ingredients ahead of time for quicker cooking later.
Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Q4: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A4: Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw and drain it before using.
Q5: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A5: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
More Top-Rated Recipes
Want to save this recipe ?
Enter your email blow & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes each day!
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
saad nomaniIngredients
For Chicken and Broccoli:
- 1 lb chicken breast, (boneless skinless), cut into 3/4" pieces
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil, (I used extra light olive oil), divided
- 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced into strips
- 1/2 lb white button mushrooms, thickly sliced
For Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce, (use Tamari for gluten free), or added to taste
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed (or honey to taste)
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated (lightly packed)
- 1 tsp garlic (2 small cloves), grated
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to season chicken
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients and whisk to dissolve sugar and corn starch (warm broth will help dissolve the sugar faster). Set sauce aside.
- Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces (no more than 3/4” thick) and season lightly with pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp oil. Add chicken in a single layer and let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to get a good sear then stir fry for another 5 minutes or until golden brown just cooked through then remove to a bowl and loosely cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add another 1 Tbsp oil along with broccoli florets, sliced onion and sliced mushrooms. Stir fry 3 minutes or until mushrooms are softened and broccoli is crisp-tender then reduce heat to medium/low.
- Give the sauce a quick stir in case there was any settling of starch and pour all of it over the vegetables. Simmer 3-4 minutes or until sauce is thickened and garlic and ginger are mellowed in flavor. To thin the sauce, add water a tablespoon at a time.
- Return chicken to the pan and stir another 30 seconds or until heated through. Add more soy sauce to taste if needed and serve over hot rice.
Notes
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: chicken and broccoli, Chicken broccoli stir fry
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 325