Nothing beats a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight, and that’s exactly what you get with the Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and a perfectly balanced savory sauce that sings with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. It’s a healthy and satisfying option that feels homemade yet looks restaurant-worthy, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation immediately.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. They are straightforward but bring the Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe to life with every bite.
- Chicken breast, sliced: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breast for tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli offers a lovely crunch and vibrant green color that contrasts perfectly against the flavorful chicken.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic base note that enhances the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Ginger, grated: Brings a slight warmth and zing, balancing the savory and sweet elements in the sauce.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that delivers umami depth and helps season the chicken and vegetables alike.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a richer, slightly sweet earthiness to the stir fry’s signature sauce.
- Sesame oil: Just a few drops bring that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor that define Asian-inspired stir fries.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for cooking at high heat, ensuring even searing without burning.
- Cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce to coat the ingredients in a glossy finish.
- Water: To create the cornstarch slurry for that perfectly silky sauce texture.
How to Make Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips, which will help it cook quickly and evenly. Next, cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic, and grate fresh ginger. Having everything ready and within reach makes the stir-frying process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—this step creates a flavorful sear while preventing the chicken from overcooking later.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Add a little more vegetable oil if needed, then toss in your broccoli florets. Stir fry them for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp—bright green with a little crunch left. This texture is essential for balancing the softness of the cooked chicken.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Throw in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir fry them briefly just until fragrant, which usually only takes about 30 seconds. This quick step releases their bright flavors without burning, enhancing every inch of your Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli and aromatics. Stir everything together while adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it into the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings to every morsel, coating your stir fry with luscious flavor.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once thickened, your Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe is ready to be plated. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or your favorite grain to soak up the savory sauce and enjoy the balance of textures and tastes you just created.
How to Serve Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top just before serving. These simple touches add a delightful crunch and a fresh brightness that elevates the dish even further.
Side Dishes
While the stir fry is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with light and fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice helps soak up the sauce wonderfully. You can also add a simple cucumber salad on the side for a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry inside lettuce cups or in rice paper wraps for a handheld meal. Alternatively, plate it atop a bed of noodles tossed with a little sesame oil and scallions to transform the experience while still showcasing your favorite Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and broccoli maintain their texture well, ensuring your next meal is just as delicious and convenient.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry, but be mindful that broccoli may soften more after freezing. Pack in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly without drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep everything moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms make great additions and complement the flavors well. Just add them according to their cooking times so everything finishes perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure the oyster sauce brand you choose is gluten-free. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute chicken with tofu or beef?
Yes! Firm tofu can be used as a vegetarian option and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Beef strips also work, though cooking times will vary slightly depending on thickness.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers when you add the garlic and ginger. A drizzle of chili oil at the end also gives a nice spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
What’s the best way to get the chicken really tender?
Make sure to slice the chicken thinly against the grain and avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking. This helps the pieces sear quickly without steaming, resulting in tender, juicy bites every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, the Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe is your answer. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you crave something comforting yet vibrant, and the simple ingredients make it approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Once you try it, it will absolutely become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Give it a go and savor every delicious, saucy bite!
Print
Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry tossed in a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a rich blend of soy and oyster sauces for a delicious Asian-inspired meal served hot with rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Sauces and Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Thickening and Liquid
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the hot oil and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the same pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, maintaining their bright green color and crunch.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the broccoli in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to release their fragrant flavors without burning.
- Return chicken to pan: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli and aromatics, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make and add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make a slurry. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and stir continuously.
- Thicken the sauce: Cook the stir fry for 1-2 minutes more, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken and broccoli stir fry hot, ideally with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- Feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas alongside the broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended for a healthier option.
- Ensure high heat during stir-frying for the best texture and flavor development.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
