Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli is one of those comforting dishes that feels like home. I remember the first time I tried it; the vibrant green broccoli paired with tender, juicy chicken created a harmony of flavor that stuck with me. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or impress guests at a casual gathering, this recipe is a gem. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases how easily we can elevate basic ingredients into a vibrant, healthful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli so special? For starters, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This dish is not only quick but also a budget-friendly option that’s loaded with flavor. Kids love it, too, thanks to its savory sauce and vibrant veggies. If you’re hosting a small family brunch or have friends over, it’s perfect for sharing and can even be prepped in advance for a stress-free entertaining experience.
"This Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli is a family favorite! It’s quick, delicious, and best of all, my kids ask for seconds!" – Sarah, home cook.
How This Recipe Comes Together
The cooking process for Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli is quite straightforward. First, you’ll coat the chicken in cornstarch for that perfect crispy texture. After searing it until golden brown, you’ll set it aside to concentrate on the veggies. A quick sauté with garlic and ginger fills your kitchen with aromatic scents. Just when you think it can’t get better, you toss in the broccoli, letting it steam to tender-crisp perfection. Finally, everything comes back together with a delectable sauce that finishes things off perfectly.
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious dish, gather these ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast, sliced or cubed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 300 g broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For substitutions, feel free to swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Directions to Follow
- Start by dusting the chicken pieces with cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the broccoli florets along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and steam for about 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey, stirring to combine everything.
- Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat everything nicely.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your meal, consider serving this Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. You might also drizzle an extra splash of sesame oil or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for texture. If you want to kick things up a notch, serve a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad. Pairing your dish with a light, crisp white wine or even sparkling water with a slice of lime will perfectly complement the flavors.
How to Store
If you have leftovers (if they last that long!), allow the dish to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, simply microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until heated through, or warm it in a pan on the stovetop.
Extra Advice
Here are a few tips to ensure your Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli turns out perfectly every time:
- Ensure your wok is hot before adding the chicken for that beautiful sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor. Opt for freshly minced garlic and ginger when possible.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference; more honey can be added for a richer flavor.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! You can introduce new flavors by adding red bell peppers, snap peas, or even cashews for a delightful crunch. For a spicy kick, drizzle some sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking. If you’re exploring dietary options, substitute chicken with sliced beef, shrimp, or a plant-based alternative like tempeh or seitan.
Your Questions Answered
How long does this dish take to prepare?
The total preparation and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components in advance and then sauté them just before serving.
What should I serve it with?
It goes wonderfully with rice, but it also pairs nicely with noodles or quinoa.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the stir-fry after cooking. Just remember to heat it thoroughly before serving.
With this delightful and versatile Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli recipe, you can enjoy a wholesome meal that brings the flavors of your kitchen to life. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation!
Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli
A quick and delicious stir-fried dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast, sliced or cubed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 300 g broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dust the chicken pieces with cornstarch, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same wok, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the broccoli florets and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and steam for about 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey, stirring to combine.
- Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu. Serve over rice or quinoa, and consider adding pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg