Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This tasty chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a breeze to make. It uses skinny chicken and plenty of broccoli cooked up in a sauce that’s packed with ginger and garlic flavors. It’s a quick and yummy dish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a simple dish you can cook on any weeknight. It’s one of my favorite Asian takeout meals to order, but you can also make it at home without much fuss. You can prepare it for dinner or to have easy lunches ready for the whole week. To turn it into a full meal, serve it with rice, noodles, edamame fried rice, or cauliflower fried rice on the side!

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

To create a delightful chicken and broccoli stir-fry, one will need a variety of ingredients that combine to form a tasty and visually appealing dish. Here are the essential components categorized under chicken, broccoli, and sauce ingredients:

Chicken

For the protein base of the stir-fry, one can opt for either chicken breast or thigh. Chicken breasts are leaner and can be tenderized using a technique known as “velveting” to ensure they remain juicy throughout the cooking process. Alternatively, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor; these should be cut into pieces and can be coated with cornstarch to achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.

Broccoli

Broccoli, a key component, adds both color and nutrients to the dish. It is recommended to use fresh broccoli, which should be cooked until it is vibrant and tender. If fresh is unavailable, frozen broccoli can also serve as a suitable substitute. This versatile vegetable should be prepared either by steaming or boiling to maintain its nutritional value and vibrant color.

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce for chicken and broccoli stir-fry is crucial as it brings all the flavors together. A combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce creates a rich and savory base. To enhance the depth of the sauce, add Chinese cooking wine or Mirin, along with a hint of sesame oil for its distinctive nutty flavor. The sauce might be thickened with cornstarch and sweetened slightly with light brown sugar. Essential seasonings include fresh ginger and garlic, which should be grated for a burst of freshness. Additionally, a touch of black pepper and optional crushed red pepper can be used to adjust the spice level according to one’s preference. For those seeking a vegetarian option, vegetarian oyster sauce is a commendable substitute.

By gathering these ingredients, one can confidently prepare a chicken and broccoli stir-fry that is not only satisfying but also aligns with a healthy eating style.

Preparing the Chicken

To begin, the chicken should be prepared using the velveting technique, which is essential for maintaining moisture and achieving a silky texture. First, slice the chicken into uniform pieces, approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches in size and about ¼ inch thick, ensuring to cut across the grain for tenderness. Partially freeze the chicken to firm it up, making it easier to slice. Marinate the chicken by combining water, soy sauce or oyster sauce, and a small amount of oil in a medium bowl. After mixing, allow the chicken to sit for about 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Then, add cornstarch and more vegetable oil to the marinade, ensuring the chicken pieces are well coated. For optimal results, let the chicken marinate for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. When ready to cook, sear the chicken in a smoking-hot wok with a bit of oil, stir-frying until it turns opaque. Remember, the chicken will be cooked again in the stir-fry, so it should be slightly undercooked at this stage.

Preparing the Broccoli

For the broccoli, start by trimming the florets and cutting them into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces. The stems should not be discarded; instead, peel the tough outer skin and slice them 1/4 inch thick diagonally. Whether you prefer larger or smaller florets, adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet, add the broccoli, and stir-fry until it begins to brown at the edges. To help the broccoli cook evenly, add a small amount of water to the pan and cover it briefly, allowing the steam to tenderize the vegetable.

Mixing the Sauce

The sauce is a key component that binds all the flavors together in a stir-fry. In a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of sugar. This mixture will later be added to the stir-fry to create a thick, flavorful coating for the chicken and broccoli. During the cooking process, once the broccoli is tender and a well is formed in the center of the wok by pushing the broccoli to the sides, add finely chopped scallions, garlic, ginger, and a dash of pepper flakes for heat. Pour in the previously mixed sauce and stir well until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients. A final drizzle of sesame oil can be added for an extra layer of flavor just before removing the wok from the heat.

Cooking Instructions

Stir-Frying the Chicken

To commence the cooking process, heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and allow it to get hot. Once the oil starts shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed for about a minute, letting it develop a golden-brown crust. Continue to stir-fry the chicken for an additional five minutes, or until it is just cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Adding the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Once hot, introduce the broccoli florets and stems. Stir-fry the broccoli, ensuring it gets evenly browned around the edges, which should take about two minutes. To help the broccoli cook through, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the skillet. This will generate steam, aiding in cooking the broccoli until it is tender yet crisp, typically taking an additional two minutes. After achieving the desired tenderness, push the broccoli to the edges of the skillet to create a well in the center.

Combining Everything

In the center of the skillet, add a teaspoon of oil, followed by finely chopped garlic, onions, and a sprinkle of pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Stir these ingredients until aromatic, which usually takes about 30 to 45 seconds. Quickly reintroduce the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce, which typically includes soy sauce mixed with a cornstarch slurry to thicken. Stir everything together vigorously to ensure the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, enveloping the chicken and broccoli in a rich, flavorful coating. Continue cooking for another minute or two until everything is heated through and the sauce clings to the ingredients nicely.

This method ensures that the chicken and broccoli are cooked perfectly, retaining their individual textures while being united by the savory, sticky sauce that characterizes a great stir-fry.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving):

Benefits of This Recipe:

Important Things About This Recipe

1. The balance of flavors in the sauce makes this dish stand out.
2. Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even cooking and better texture.
3. Fresh ingredients are key to a delicious stir-fry.
4. The recipe is versatile and can be modified to suit dietary preferences.
5. It’s a great way to include more vegetables in your diet.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

There are lots of ways to make this chicken and broccoli stir-fry more exciting. You can throw in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to mix things up. To give it a kick, try adding crushed hot red pepper or Sriracha sauce. You can eat the stir-fry with rice, quinoa, or noodles. To make it a full meal, have some green tea and fruit on the side.

FAQs

More Tasty Chicken Breast Recipes to Try!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Pamela J. Willis

This chicken and broccoli stir-fry recipe is a perfect combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce. It's simple to make, and it's also good for your health, so it is very filling, not to mention the fact that it can be made in only half an hour.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese, Japanese

Servings 4 people

Calories 251 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or use gf soy sauce*
• 1/2 cup chicken broth*
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil divided
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 pound chicken breast sliced very thinly
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Sesame seeds as garnish if desired.

Instructions

 

• In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Whisk until everything is completely dissolved.
• In a large skillet, heat one teaspoon of canola oil over medium-high heat. Cook half of the chicken until just cooked through, about 2–3 minutes on each side. Repeat with the second half of the chicken and an additional teaspoon of oil. Remove the chicken to a plate.
• Add the remaining oil, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 30-45 seconds until very fragrant but not browned.
• Stir the garlic and ginger well, then add the sauce, whisking well.
• Add the broccoli and let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
• Add the chicken back into the skillet and stir well to coat.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

1. Ensure to slice the chicken breast very thinly for even cooking.
2. Fresh ginger adds a distinct flavor; don’t substitute with ground ginger if possible.
3. Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine; you can substitute it with dry sherry or a bit of sugar mixed with vinegar.
4. Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and taste.
5. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.

Keyword Budget-friendly, easy recipe, family friendly, Flavorful, healthy, Low Carb, Nutritious, One-pan, Protein-packed, quick, Quick Dinner,, Simple, Weeknight Meal