Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Quick, Healthy & Delicious Recipe

Chicken broccoli stir fry: just the name conjures up images of vibrant colors, savory aromas, and a satisfyingly healthy meal, doesn’t it? But what if I told you that achieving restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen is easier than you think? Forget complicated takeout orders and questionable ingredients. We’re diving headfirst into a simple, yet incredibly delicious, chicken broccoli stir fry recipe that will become a weeknight staple.

While stir-fries have ancient roots in Chinese cuisine, dating back thousands of years, the modern iteration we know and love has evolved into a global phenomenon. The beauty of a stir-fry lies in its adaptability – a canvas for endless flavor combinations and a fantastic way to utilize fresh, seasonal vegetables. This particular combination of chicken and broccoli is a relatively modern adaptation, gaining popularity in Western cultures for its balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

So, why do people adore this dish? It’s simple: the tender chicken, perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, and the savory sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes that tantalize the taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a wholesome and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the joy of creating your own amazing chicken broccoli stir fry!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of white pepper
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For Cooking:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started with the chicken! This marinade is super simple but really helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper.
2. Mix everything together really well, making sure all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be! You can even let it sit for a couple of hours if you have the time.

Preparing the Broccoli:

Now, let’s move on to the broccoli. We want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so we’ll use a quick steaming method right in the pan.

1. Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water. Make sure to get rid of any dirt or debris.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to coat them with the oil.
4. Pour in the 1/4 cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the broccoli steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. You want it to be bright green and slightly softened, but still have a bit of a bite.
5. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet – we’ll be using it again for the stir-fry!

Making the Sauce:

The sauce is what really brings this dish together. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of spice (if you want it!).

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. If you’re adding red pepper flakes, toss them in now too.
2. Whisk everything until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This is important to prevent clumps in your sauce.
3. Set the sauce aside for now. We’ll add it to the skillet later.

Stir-Frying the Chicken and Assembling the Dish:

Alright, it’s time to put everything together! This part goes quickly, so make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

1. Heat the vegetable oil in the same skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s softened and slightly translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken nicely.
6. Add the steamed broccoli back to the skillet and stir everything together to combine. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through.

Serving:

Now for the best part – serving up this delicious stir-fry!

1. Serve the chicken broccoli stir-fry over cooked rice (white or brown, your choice!).
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These add a nice touch of flavor and visual appeal.
3. Enjoy your homemade chicken broccoli stir-fry!

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just add them to the skillet along with the broccoli.
• Make it spicier: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicier chili sauce.
• Use different protein: You can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add nuts: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews adds a nice crunch to the stir-fry.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! We’ve taken the classic stir-fry and elevated it with a perfectly balanced sauce, tender chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli that will have even the broccoli skeptics asking for seconds. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with goodness – what more could you ask for?

But the real magic lies in its versatility. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sliced bell peppers for added sweetness and color. Craving a bit of heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha will do the trick. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. And if you’re looking to add even more veggies, snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms would be fantastic additions.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice, but brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles work just as well. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or enjoying it straight from the wok. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few chopped green onions add the perfect finishing touch. You could even turn it into a delicious and healthy lettuce wrap filling!

I know there are a million stir-fry recipes out there, but I truly believe this one is special. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, and it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. The sauce is the star of the show, creating a beautiful glaze that coats every piece of chicken and broccoli. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and utterly irresistible.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. I urge you to give this recipe a try. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting it, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, grab your wok, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! I am sure that this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry will become a family favorite.

---