Easy & Delicious Stir-Fry Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Stir-fry chicken and broccoli is a classic weeknight meal that’s quick, easy, and healthy. This recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to a savory sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli. It’s also versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein and vitamins from the chicken and broccoli.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt to your preferences by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sauce.
* **Delicious:** A flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.

## Ingredients

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Broccoli:** 4 cups broccoli florets.
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce.
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds a rich umami flavor).
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil).
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat).
* **Water:** 1/4 cup water.
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish.
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish.
* **Cooked Rice:** For serving.

## Equipment

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. This helps to tenderize the chicken and create a nice sear when stir-frying.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables.

### Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce (3 tablespoons), oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, the remaining cornstarch (1 tablespoon), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth and clump-free sauce.
2. Set the sauce aside until ready to use.

### Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a good sear.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

### Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to steam the broccoli if needed.

### Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is glossy.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat.

### Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

## Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

* **Use high heat:** Stir-frying is best done over high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create a nice sear.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare all ingredients in advance:** Stir-frying cooks quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
* **Use fresh ginger and garlic:** Fresh ginger and garlic add a lot of flavor to the dish.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
* **Choose fresh Broccoli:** Fresh broccoli that feels firm and has a vibrant green color tends to be the best
* **Slice evenly:** Making sure that both your chicken and your broccoli are cut into bite-sized pieces is a simple way to ensure that they cook evenly

## Variations

* **Add other vegetables:** Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms are all great additions to this stir-fry.
* **Use different protein:** Shrimp, beef, or tofu can be substituted for the chicken.
* **Make it spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
* **Add nuts:** Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the stir-fry for added crunch.
* **Different Sauces:** Teriyaki sauce, black bean sauce, or even hoisin sauce can be substituted depending on your preference

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve over cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine).
* Serve with noodles (lo mein, udon, or rice noodles).
* Serve with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls.
* Serve with a side of soup (wonton soup or egg drop soup).

## Storage

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it before adding it to the stir-fry, and be sure to pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and broccoli just before serving to ensure the best texture.

**Q: Can I add other spices to the sauce?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or five-spice powder.

**Q: Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?**

A: Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Omit the oyster sauce or substitute with a vegetarian oyster sauce. Ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly.

**Q: What kind of rice works best with this dish?**

A: Jasmine rice is a popular choice due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture. Brown rice is a healthier alternative that provides more fiber. White rice, like long-grain or short-grain, also works well.

**Q: Can I use a different type of oil?**

A: Yes, you can use other types of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil.

**Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?**

A: Marinating the chicken helps to keep it moist and tender. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken during the stir-frying process.

**Q: What’s the best way to clean broccoli?**

A: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold running water. For a deeper clean, soak the florets in a bowl of cold water with a pinch of salt for a few minutes, then rinse again.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

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

## Conclusion

This stir-fry chicken and broccoli recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. It’s easy to customize and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!