chicken broccoli stir fry
You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of spending an hour in the bathroom is mind blowing. What is it like to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops? What’s wrong with this chicken broccoli Stir Fry? How many times this recipe has saved my bacon (or, well, chicken)? ) on those whirlwind evenings. Is this really easy to make and tastes like it came from your favorite Thai restaurant? Is always a win in my book? Is it better than my go-to lemon chicken? What is a chicken broccoli stir fry? What is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something amazing, even if you haven’t eaten it yet? I only had twenty minutes to spare. What is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and that irresistible savory sauce? What is perfection on a plate?
What is chicken broth stir fry?
What is a chicken broccoli Stir Fry? Think of it as your weeknight dinner best friend. What is a classic Asian dish featuring bite-sized pieces of tender chicken and vibrant colors. What are some good ways to serve broccoli florets over rice? What is a stir fry? Is it crisp and flavorful? Is it really a one-pan wonder? ) that brings together protein, veggies, and that irresistible umami goodness. It’s not overly complicated. Is it just smart cooking that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss? I love how adaptable it is too, which is why it’s become such a go-to for me.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do I love chicken broccoli Stir Fry? What is the flavor bomb? The sauce is this beautiful balance of salty, a little bit sweet, and deeply savory, with just .5 ounces of sweetness. What is a hint of garlic and ginger that makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine? Is it a taste of heaven? If you could chop and stir, you can make this. I’ve made it with my kids “helping” and it’s still surprisingly manageable. Is it incredibly budget friendly? Chicken thighs are usually pretty affordable, and broccoli is a fantastic, inexpensive vegetable. What are some of the best sauce ingredients in your pantry? What are some good substitutes for broccoli? Is it good to use up bits and bobs of vegetables that are still good but not quite quite as good? Is enough for another meal? What I love about this particular recipe, compared to others I’ve tried, is how the sauce is made. Always emulsifies perfectly and never gets watery. Is it a true testament to getting the sauce ratios just right, and that’s something I’ve honed over the years? countless attempts.
How do I make chicken broccoli stir fry?
Quick Overview
What is the best Chicken Broccoli stir fry recipe? How do you marinate chicken then stir fry it until it’s cooked through? Next, you’ll add the broccoli and cook it until it’s tender. What’s your favorite way to serve homemade sauce? What are some good recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes? When you take out a meal, it starts to look awfully tempting. The beauty of this method is that each component gets cooked perfectly, and the sauce ties it all together. Is it possible to make something soggy?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for chicken marinade?
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much soy sauce should I use?
1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps tenderize the chicken and create a nice coating)
1 teaspoon sesame oil per 1 cup.
1 clove of garlic, minced.
What is stir fry?
How much cooking oil should I use? 2 tablespoons (like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
1 pound broccoli florets (about 4-5 cups) (approx)
1 medium onion, sliced thinly.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger if you don’t have fresh)
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce.
1/4 cup chicken broth.
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
1 teaspoon cornstarch per 1 cup
1 teaspoon sesame oil. 1 tablespoon.
What are the steps required
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do you get a large wok or skillet screaming hot over medium-high heat? What is the best way to make a stir-fry? How do you heat up your cooking oil? While the pan heats, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within easy reach – stir-frying. Is it possible to chop something fast?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set aside. What is the difference between a teaspoon of sesame oil and minced garlic? What is the best marinade for chicken? How do you hit a hot pan? Don’t skip this step; it makes a world of difference in the final texture and taste of the chicken.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 cup water. What is the best combination of cornstarch and sesame oil? Make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in your sauce. What is your flavor powerhouse?
Step 4: Combine
Add your cut chicken pieces to the marinade bowl and toss them well to ensure each piece is coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes while your pan heats up. Once the pan is hot and oiled, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. If your pan isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding, you might need to do this in batches. Will steam the chicken instead of searing it? Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until mostly cooked through. Don’t worry if it’s not entirely cooked yet, it will finish cooking with the veggies.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon to the pan. Add your broccoli florets and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and starting to get tender. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant. How do you not burn garlic?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli and onions. If you’re using cornstarch, give your sauce a quick whisk and pour it over everything. Stir well to coat chicken and vegetables evenly. Let the sauce bubble and thicken, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure everything is coated and the sauce is glossy. Where does magic happen?
Step 7: Bake
What is the beauty of a stir fry? So, this step isn’t applicable here, but just imagine the delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
This step is also not applicable as it’s a stovetop dish, not baked. Once the sauce has thickened and everything is coated beautifully, your chicken broccoli stir fry. How do you cook a pan fry?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What are some good ways to serve chicken broccoli stir fry over rice? What is your favorite rice dish? What are some good ways to sprinkle green onions with sesame seeds? What’s the best way to enjoy fresh off the stove?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best recipes for chicken broccoli stir fry? I love having breakfast with scrambled eggs. I also like to serve it with a salad. stuffed into a warm pita pocket. Is it surprisingly good cold the next day too, which makes it an excellent option for meal prep? As a light lunch, it’s perfect on its own or with steamed vegetables. For a more substantial dinner, it’s always, always fantastic over fluffy steamed rice, but I also like to serve it over boiled egg. I love it with quinoa for a healthier twist or even some noodles. My kids love crispy wonton strips. I can’t wait to try them! What’s your favorite way to serve bok choy? What is a pickled carrot and daikon salad? What is the best way to balance out the richness of a stir fry?
What are some of the best ways to prepare chicken broccoli stir fry?
Okay, let’s talk about getting this chicken broccoli stir fry absolutely perfect every single time. First, about the broccoli: don’t overcook it! You want it tender-crisp, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. If you prefer it softer, you can blanch it for a minute in boiling water before adding it to the pan, or just stir-fry it a minute or two longer. My biggest pet peeve with stir-fries is soggy vegetables, so I’m pretty militant about keeping that broccoli bright and crisp. For the chicken, ensure your pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly. I always opt for chicken thighs because they stay incredibly moist and tender, even with the high heat of stir-frying, but chicken breasts work too – just be extra careful not to overcook them. When it comes to the sauce, always give it a quick whisk before adding it to the pan, as the cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom. This ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats everything beautifully. And speaking of the sauce, you can totally customize it! Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more brown sugar or honey. I’ve even experimented with adding a splash of oyster sauce for an extra layer of savory depth, and that was a game-changer! Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients you have. That’s the beauty of a good stir fry – it’s so forgiving and adaptable. I learned this trick from watching a local chef years ago: make sure your pan is HOT before adding anything. It’s the key to getting that lovely sear on the chicken and keeping the vegetables crisp.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This chicken broccoli stir fry is pretty forgiving when it comes to storage. Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully after a day, making leftovers fantastic. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best method is on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to the pan, then add your stir fry and toss it around until it’s heated through. This helps revive some of that moisture and prevents it from getting dry. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. If you’re a big meal prepper, this dish freezes surprisingly well too! Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For the glaze, it’s best to pour it over the stir fry just before serving, whether it’s fresh or reheated, to keep everything looking and tasting its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my tried-and-true chicken broccoli stir fry recipe! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution to those dreaded “what’s for dinner?” moments that inevitably pop up. I truly hope you give this a try. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro, even on your most hectic nights. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so incredibly satisfying. If you’re a fan of simple, delicious weeknight meals, you might also love my Speedy Salmon Teriyaki or my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies. They’re in a similar vein of easy-to-make, big-on-flavor dishes that I rely on all the time. I can’t wait to hear how your chicken broccoli stir fry turns out! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or any fun twists you add to the recipe. Happy cooking!
