Create a Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry in 30 Minutes!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quintessential dish that has become a staple in households across the globe. With its perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this quick and easy meal checks all the boxes for a satisfying, nutritious dinner. Whether you’re looking to whip up a speedy weeknight meal or impress your guests, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Prep Chicken and Season

First, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Heat Oil and Cook Chicken

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the oil and cook the chicken until it’s nearly cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Fry Aromatics and Broccoli

In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger, and stir them briefly until they become fragrant. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender.

Make the Sauce

While the broccoli is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and oyster sauce (if using) until the mixture is smooth.

Return Chicken and Add Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Finish and Serve

Drizzle the sesame oil over the Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, give it one last toss, and then serve it immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this delightful, flavor-packed dish!

Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique

The secret to a successful Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry lies in the technique. Stir-frying is a lightning-fast cooking method that requires high heat and quick movements to ensure your ingredients cook evenly and retain their signature textures. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly.

When stir-frying, it’s important to use a wok or a large, high-sided skillet to ensure even heat distribution and plenty of room for the ingredients to move around. The high heat sears the food, locking in the flavors and preventing the ingredients from becoming soggy. Tossing and stirring the ingredients constantly helps them cook evenly and prevents them from burning.

Remember, timing is everything in a stir-fry. Add the heartier vegetables like broccoli first, then follow with the more delicate ingredients like the chicken. This ensures that everything cooks to perfection and comes together in a harmonious dish.

Nutritional Information for Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious meal option. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a lean protein that’s rich in essential nutrients, while broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The stir-fry sauce, made with low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth, adds flavor without excessive sodium or calories.

A serving of this Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry (about 1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, 30 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of fat. Compared to a typical takeout order, this homemade version is significantly lower in calories, fat, and sodium, making it a healthier option for your family.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce. You can also try it with lo mein or udon noodles for a heartier meal.

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor, consider serving the stir-fry with a side of sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a fresh, crunchy salad. For a boost of heat, offer a selection of chili-based sauces or sriracha on the side.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry also makes an excellent meal prep option. Prepare the dish in advance, let it cool, and then divide it into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors will only improve as the dish sits, making it a convenient and delicious choice for busy weekdays.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

How can I make Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry ahead of time for meal prep?

To prepare Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry ahead of time, you can follow these steps: First, chop the chicken and broccoli as well as any other vegetables you’d like to include. Marinate the chicken in your preferred sauce or seasoning for extra flavor, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also pre-cook the chicken and broccoli lightly; just stir-fry them for a couple of minutes until they’re partially cooked, then cool them down quickly and store them. When you’re ready to eat, you can quickly stir-fry the prepped ingredients with the sauce until everything is heated through. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to consume the prepped dish within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Can I add other vegetables to my Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry?

Absolutely! Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is very versatile, and you can add a variety of other vegetables to boost the nutritional content and flavor. Some great options include bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. The key is to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Add heartier vegetables like carrots or bell peppers earlier in the cooking process, as they take longer to soften, while tender greens like spinach or snap peas can be added near the end to retain their crispness. This not only enhances the dish’s color and texture but also increases its nutritional value.

What’s the best way to store leftover Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry?

To store leftover Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the food soggy. Store the stir-fry in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring to leave some space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.

How can I adjust the flavor of the stir-fry sauce to suit my taste?

Adjusting the flavor of the stir-fry sauce is easy and can help you customize the dish to your liking. Start with a basic stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then tweak it by adding a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess, a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness, or chili paste for heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce towards the end of cooking. Taste as you go and adjust each component in small increments to achieve a balanced flavor that suits your palate.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Garlic Chicken and Green Beans
• Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Teriyaki Chicken with Mixed Vegetables

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a delightful, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With its vibrant colors, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the wok, and get ready to enjoy a delectable, healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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