The aroma of sizzling garlic wafts through the air as tender pieces of chicken dance in a hot pan. This delightful chicken and broccoli stir fry is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to your favorite takeout spot without ever leaving your kitchen.
Picture this: you’ve had a long day, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want to do is whip up a gastronomic masterpiece. Fear not! This dish is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier since pie has crusts to deal with—and it promises to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and broccoli stir fry is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Its burst of flavors will please everyone’s palate while providing essential nutrients
- The vibrant green broccoli adds stunning color alongside the juicy chicken
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for meal prep or last-minute dinners!
Last summer during our family cook-off night, my aunt brought her famous chicken and broccoli stir fry. Everyone was raving about it until my cousin accidentally spilled soy sauce all over the floor—cue the chaos! But hey, at least we had a delicious meal afterward!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 breasts; they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Choose bright green florets for freshness; they add great texture.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; use 2-3 cloves for that aromatic zing.
- Ginger Root: Fresh ginger adds warmth; peel and grate about a teaspoon for depth.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Control saltiness by using low-sodium; it’s essential for that authentic taste.
- Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil brings richness; it’s perfect for finishing touches.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce beautifully; just mix with water before adding.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; choose one with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add heat if desired; sprinkle in moderation based on preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your workspace: Gather all ingredients and equipment—a cutting board, sharp knife, and large skillet are essential.
Chop Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Ensure they’re uniform so they cook evenly. Chop the broccoli into small florets while keeping them vibrant.
Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Heat vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant—about 30 seconds will do!
Cook the Chicken: Toss in the diced chicken. Cook until golden brown on all sides—this takes around 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt!
Add Broccoli Florets: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add in those lovely green florets. Stir-fry until they turn bright green yet still crisp—approximately 3 minutes.
Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch mixed with water. Pour this mixture over your sautéed goodness in the skillet.
Toss Everything Together!: Stir well to combine everything evenly in that delicious sauce. Cook for another minute until bubbly—your kitchen should smell heavenly right now!
Now go ahead and serve your chicken and broccoli stir fry over rice or noodles—it’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite of this colorful dish packed with flavor!
You Must Know
- This delightful chicken and broccoli stir fry is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner
- The crunchiness of the broccoli combined with tender chicken creates an irresistible texture that will please your taste buds
- Plus, it’s colorful and nutritious, making it a hit with the family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Cook the chicken first in a hot skillet, then add garlic and broccoli for a quick stir fry.
Add Your TouchDiscover the ultimate chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe! Quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor, it’s a weeknight favorite.
Feel free to swap out broccoli for bell peppers or snap peas. Add some sesame oil or sriracha for an extra kick of flavor.
Storing & ReheatingDiscover the ultimate chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe! Quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor, it’s a weeknight favorite.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked chicken, cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this prevents steaming
- Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture, so use them whenever possible
Sharing this dish at my friend’s potluck led to rave reviews and requests for seconds. It’s amazing how a simple stir fry can become the star of the show!
FAQDiscover the ultimate chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe! Quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor, it’s a weeknight favorite.
What can I substitute for chicken in this stir fry?
Tofu or shrimp work great as alternatives if you’re looking for variety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately until ready to cook.
Is this chicken and broccoli stir fry gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free while maintaining flavor.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a vibrant, quick dish packed with flavor, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger root
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and equipment: cutting board, knife, and large skillet.
- Dice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and chop broccoli into small florets.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides (5-7 minutes). Season with salt.
- Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add broccoli florets. Stir-fry until bright green yet crisp (about 3 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch mixed with water. Pour over the stir-fry mixture in the skillet.
- Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute until bubbly.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
