Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious dinner option, look no further than this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying meal that you can whip up on a busy weeknight. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring this takeout favorite into your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a keeper for several reasons. First, it’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the broccoli and chicken, making it a wholesome meal. Second, the flavors are incredibly balanced, with the sweetness of brown sugar harmonizing with the savory notes of soy sauce and the warmth of garlic and ginger. Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Plus, it’s ready in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.

What’s in the Bowl

To create this delightful Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless, cut into 3/4″ pieces
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (extra light olive oil works well)
• 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
• 1 small yellow onion, sliced into strips
• 1/2 lb white button mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed (or honey to taste)
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tsp garlic (about 2 small cloves), grated
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to season chicken

Before You Start: Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Large skillet or wok: This will be your main cooking vessel.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for tossing the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board and knife: To chop your vegetables and chicken.
• Small bowl: For mixing sauces and cornstarch slurry.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces. This size ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. Next, wash and prepare the broccoli by cutting it into florets. Slice the onion into strips and thickly slice the mushrooms. Grate the ginger and garlic, ensuring they are ready to infuse their flavors into the dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, season the chicken with black pepper and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the sliced onion, broccoli florets, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, sesame oil, grated ginger, and grated garlic. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.

Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry immediately over rice or noodles if desired. Enjoy your home-cooked meal!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to mix and match seasonal ingredients to keep this dish fresh and exciting:

• Swap broccoli for asparagus, green beans, or snap peas in the spring.
• In the summer, add bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist.
• In the fall, consider using Brussels sprouts or butternut squash.
• In winter, kale or cauliflower would make great substitutes.

Problems & Prevention

Cooking can sometimes be tricky, but here are some common issues and how to prevent them:

• Overcooked chicken: Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure it cooks uniformly.
• Soggy vegetables: Stir-fry on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Sauce too thick: Add a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
• Burnt garlic: Add grated garlic in the last minute of cooking to prevent burning.

Shelf Life & Storage

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

You can store the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my stir fry watery?

If your stir fry is watery, it may be due to excess moisture from the vegetables or not enough cornstarch in the sauce. Make sure to stir-fry the vegetables on high heat to evaporate any excess moisture and use the right amount of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

How can I make my chicken more flavorful?

Marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes can deepen the flavor. You can also add spices or herbs to the marinade for an extra kick.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, you can use coconut aminos, which offer a similar umami flavor but are lighter in sodium.

Can I add more vegetables to this stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for each type to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you enjoyed this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, you might also like these healthy-ish favorites:

• Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders
• Healthy Chicken Stir Fry
• Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

Make It Tonight

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something nutritious and delicious. With its colorful vegetables and tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a homemade meal that beats takeout any day!

Cooking at home can be both rewarding and enjoyable, and this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is just the recipe to prove it. The vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and incredible taste will make you feel like a culinary expert in your own kitchen. Plus, once you’ve mastered this simple recipe, the sky’s the limit for your stir-frying adventures! Enjoy your cooking journey and the delicious meals that come from it.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious dinner ready in under 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless cut into 3/4" pieces
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (extra light olive oil works well)
• 1 lb broccoli cut into florets (about 5 cups)
• 1 small yellow onion sliced into strips
• 1/2 lb white button mushrooms thickly sliced
• 2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed (or honey to taste)
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger peeled and grated
• 1 tsp garlic (about 2 small cloves), grated
• 1/4 tsp black pepper plus more to season chicken

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Small bowl

Method

 

1. Start by cutting the chicken breast into 3/4-inch pieces. Wash and prepare the broccoli by cutting it into florets. Slice the onion into strips and thickly slice the mushrooms. Grate the ginger and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, season the chicken with black pepper and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion, broccoli florets, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and pour the sauce over. Stir to coat evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles if desired.

Notes

• Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
• For extra flavor, marinate chicken longer than 10 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.