Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry: A Healthy and Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Broccoli chicken stir fry is a classic dish that’s easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be easily customized to your liking. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, this stir fry is a healthy and balanced meal.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different vegetables, sauces, and protein sources.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of savory sauce and tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli is simply irresistible.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breast:** 1 pound, boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup, low-sodium
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons (optional, but adds great umami flavor)
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons (or canola oil)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon (or honey)
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon, for garnish (optional)
* **Cooked Rice:** For serving

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

* **Chicken:** You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast. Thighs are more flavorful but take slightly longer to cook. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Broccoli:** Other vegetables that work well in this stir fry include bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini.
* **Soy Sauce:** Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
* **Oyster Sauce:** If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute hoisin sauce or simply add a little more soy sauce and brown sugar.
* **Brown Sugar:** Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can be used in place of brown sugar.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper can be used for a spicier kick.
* **Ginger:** Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh ginger provides the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** Garlic powder can be used if you don’t have fresh garlic, but fresh garlic is always preferred.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Wok or Large Skillet:** A wok is ideal for stir-frying because its sloped sides allow for even cooking. However, a large skillet will also work.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken and vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping the ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Spatula or Wooden Spoon:** For stirring the stir fry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
* In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
* Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This will help tenderize the chicken and create a nice crust when stir-fried.
* Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

**2. Prepare the Broccoli and Other Vegetables:**

* Wash the broccoli thoroughly.
* Cut the broccoli into florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
* If using other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, chop them into bite-sized pieces as well.

**3. Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

**4. Cook the Chicken:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
* Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

**5. Cook the Broccoli:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
* Add the broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You want the broccoli to be bright green and slightly softened, but still have a bit of crunch.
* If using other vegetables, add them to the wok along with the broccoli and cook until they are tender-crisp.

**6. Combine and Finish:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the broccoli and other vegetables.
* Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
* Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
* Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and is heated through.

**7. Serve:**

* Serve the broccoli chicken stir fry hot over cooked rice.
* Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry

* **Use High Heat:** Stir-frying is best done over high heat to ensure the ingredients cook quickly and evenly. This helps to maintain the texture and flavor of the vegetables and chicken.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** Chop all the vegetables and prepare the sauce before you start cooking. This will make the stir-frying process much smoother and faster.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken will tenderize it and add flavor. Even a short marinade of 15 minutes will make a difference.
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** You want the broccoli to be crisp-tender, not mushy. Cook it for just a few minutes until it’s bright green and slightly softened.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir fry and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor, more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always provide the best flavor. Use fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables whenever possible.
* **Serve Immediately:** Stir fry is best served immediately while it’s hot and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

* **Rice:** Serve the broccoli chicken stir fry over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Noodles:** Serve it over cooked noodles, such as lo mein noodles or ramen noodles.
* **Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls:** Serve it with egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
* **Soup:** Serve it with a bowl of miso soup or wonton soup.
* **Salad:** Serve it with a side salad for a lighter meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover broccoli chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. It’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g

**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry Variations

Here are some delicious variations you can try:

* **Spicy Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Honey Garlic Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Use honey instead of brown sugar in the sauce and add a bit more garlic.
* **Teriyaki Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Use teriyaki sauce instead of the soy sauce-based sauce.
* **Peanut Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
* **Cashew Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add cashews to the stir fry for a crunchy texture.
* **Lemon Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add lemon juice and lemon zest to the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Orange Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add orange juice and orange zest to the sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Mushroom Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add sliced mushrooms to the stir fry for an earthy flavor.
* **Bell Pepper Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) to the stir fry for added color and sweetness.
* **Snow Pea Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry:** Add snow peas to the stir fry for a crisp and refreshing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it slightly before adding it to the stir fry. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.

**Q: Can I make this ahead of time?**
A: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply stir-fry the chicken and vegetables and add the sauce.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**
A: Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to this stir fry. Some good options include bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, and zucchini.

**Q: Can I use a different protein?**
A: Yes, you can use tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork instead of chicken.

**Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?**
A: Make sure to use cornstarch in the sauce. This will help to thicken it up. You can also simmer the sauce for a few minutes after adding it to the stir fry to help it thicken.

**Q: How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?**
A: Don’t overcook the broccoli. Stir-fry it for just a few minutes until it’s bright green and slightly softened.

**Q: Can I make this gluten-free?**
A: Yes, use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce. Also, make sure to use gluten-free oyster sauce or omit it entirely.

**Q: What if I don’t have oyster sauce?**
A: You can substitute hoisin sauce or simply add a little more soy sauce and brown sugar.

**Q: Can I use a different type of oil?**
A: Yes, you can use canola oil, peanut oil, or any other vegetable oil you prefer.

**Q: How can I make this spicier?**
A: Add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce.

This broccoli chicken stir fry recipe is a winner for its simplicity, health benefits, and amazing taste. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cook, you can easily whip up this delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Enjoy!