Savor the flavors of Asia with this quick and easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. This homemade delight, ready in just 30 minutes, combines succulent chicken and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. Ideal for hectic weeknights or special dinner parties, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like noodles, rice, or even roasted veggies.
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Not only is it delicious, but it's also a healthy choice, loaded with protein and fiber. A versatile and customizable dish, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any dining occasion.
Discover More Delectable Broccoli and Asian Dishes:
- Roasted Broccoli
- Broccoli Salad
- Steamed Broccoli
- Orange Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Sesame Chicken
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make a delicious Chicken and Broccoli stir fry, you will need a variety of Asian pantry ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
Sauce Ingredients:
- Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, umami foundation for the stir fry. Enhances flavors harmoniously. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Soy Sauce: Brings essential saltiness and depth. For gluten-free needs, use tamari or liquid aminos.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a distinctive sweet and savory taste. In its absence, a blend of soy sauce and sugar or hoisin sauce can be used.
- Rice Vinegar: Introduces a mild tang and balance. Substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Chili Sauce: Provides a spicy element and complexity. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Alternatives include white sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
Other Key Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken: The centerpiece of the dish, offering a mild, meaty flavor and a good source of protein. You can choose between boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option or chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful stir-fry. Cut into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Broccoli: Essential for its fresh, slightly bitter taste, broccoli adds a desirable crunch. Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor. They not only add a vibrant color but also provide essential nutrients.
- Black Pepper: A simple yet impactful spice, it introduces a pungent, earthy taste and subtle heat. Freshly ground black pepper works best for a more intense flavor.
- Aromatics (Garlic and Ginger): These are key to building a fragrant, flavorful foundation. Garlic adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor, while ginger brings a warm, peppery note. Finely mince them to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the dish.
- Sesame Oil: Imparts a distinctive nutty, toasted flavor and aroma, elevating the stir-fry to authentic Asian cuisine levels. While sesame oil is preferred for its unique taste, you can opt for other cooking oils like vegetable or canola oil for a milder flavor profile.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry at Home?
Get ready to master Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with our visual guide. Follow along as we marinate the chicken, prep the stir fry sauce, and stir-fry to perfection. Let's begin!
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Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
For Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
For Marination
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breast, or chicken thighs, boneless
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 2 Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Chili Sauce
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- Salt, as needed
For the Sauce
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 ½ tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 ½ tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- Salt, to taste
For Stir Frying
- 3 cups Broccoli, separated into small florets
- 4 tsp Sesame Oil, preferred for asian flavor
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
For Garnishing
- Sesame Seeds , to garnish
Instructions
To Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix bite-sized boneless chicken pieces with ginger, garlic, black pepper, soy sauce, chili sauce, cornstarch, and salt to taste. Ensure everything is well combined, then set aside to marinate and infuse the flavors for later use.
To Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly to create a well-blended stir-fry sauce.
To Prepare Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
- Start by heating your pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the oil. Carefully place the broccoli in the pan, spreading it out for even cooking. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a nice sear. Then, stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green and achieves a balance between crispiness and tenderness.
- Once done, remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Then add the marinated chicken, spreading it in a single layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes. This initial undisturbed cooking helps the chicken to brown nicely and seal in juices. After that, stir-fry until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, ensuring it's golden and tender.
- Bring the broccoli back into the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine them evenly. Now, pour in the stir-fry sauce along with the cornstarch slurry (pre-mix a specified amount of cornstarch with water). The cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality texture. Stir continuously to ensure the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli evenly and doesn't clump.
- Perform a taste test and adjust the seasoning with black pepper and salt as needed, ensuring the dish suits your palate perfectly. Finish by garnishing with sesame seeds for a delightful nutty flavor and visual appeal. Once done, remove the pan from heat. Your delicious Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is now ready to be savored!
To Serve
- Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with a side of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles for a classic combination. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp, green salad. For more creative pairing ideas, refer to our serving suggestions section!
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Efficient Prep: Chop and measure all ingredients before you start. Stir-frying is quick; having everything ready ensures seamless cooking.
- Veggie Flexibility: Alongside broccoli, consider adding carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition. This not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also ups its health quotient.
- Broccoli Blanching: While not used in this recipe, a quick blanch ensures the broccoli is cooked just right and maintains its bright green hue, giving you vibrant, crisp results in your stir fry.
- Customize the Heat: Modify the amount of chili sauce and black pepper based on your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, reduce them; for more heat, increase accordingly.
- Marination Magic: Giving your chicken even a brief marination time works wonders. It allows the meat to absorb the flavors, leading to a richer, more developed taste in every bite.
- Heat Mastery: High heat is essential for that perfect sear and crisp-tender veggies. It locks in flavors and textures, mimicking professional wok cooking.
Cookware and Finishing Touches
- Cookware Consideration: A wok or iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and authentic taste. If unavailable, a heavy-bottomed pan can be a good substitute.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce. This slurry will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Cook in Batches: If you’re cooking a large quantity, consider stir-frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can affect the texture and flavor.
- Resting the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Discover a world of taste with our diverse collection of stir fry recipes and Chinese chicken dishes. Each recipe is designed to cater to all taste preferences and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some top serving suggestions for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry to enhance the dining experience:
- Rice Varieties: Complement the dish with steamed white, jasmine, brown rice, or fried rice. These options absorb the sauce well, enhancing the meal's flavor.
- Noodles: Pair with lo mein, udon, or rice noodles for an Asian fusion experience. Noodles add a delightful texture contrast to the stir fry.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a healthier twist, serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice. These alternatives offer a nutritious base while maintaining a delicious taste.
- Salad: A light Asian-style salad, like a cucumber salad with sesame dressing, adds a fresh and crisp element to balance the meal.
- Soup: Accompany with a soothing soup such as miso soup or egg drop soup for a complete Asian dining experience.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or snow peas to add extra nutrition and color to your plate.
- Dumplings or Spring Rolls: Include a side of dumplings or spring rolls for a more indulgent and satisfying meal.
- Drinks: Green tea is a great beverage choice to complement the flavors of the stir fry.
- Dessert: End the meal with a light dessert like mango pudding or fresh fruit slices to cleanse the palate.
Storage Suggestions
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is best savored fresh from the wok. If you have leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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