Savor the taste of Asia with our Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry! Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish combines tender chicken and fresh broccoli in a mouthwatering sauce. Perfect alongside noodles or any rice variety, it's a versatile choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.
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!
Notes
Here are some tips to make the perfect Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry:
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.