Let me tell you, if there’s one recipe that’s a lifesaver for busy days, it’s this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Imagine this: juicy chicken with just the right amount of seasoning, tossed with crisp broccoli, all soaked in a garlicky, savory sauce that’s slightly sweet and just a bit spicy. The flavors really pop, and each bite makes you want to go in for another.
As a dad who loves to cook, I know exactly what it’s like trying to whip up something quick that still makes everyone happy – especially with hungry kids asking, “Is it ready yet?” This recipe is a go-to in my house because it’s healthy, full of flavor, and I can get it done in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re running around but still want a home-cooked meal everyone will devour.
Trust me, you’re going to love this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. It’s fast, tasty, and bound to be a hit. Let’s get cooking, and let’s make dinner easy and delicious!
Why Cook Chicken with Broccoli?
Why cook chicken with broccoli? Simple! Chicken and broccoli is the perfect duo for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. Think about it: you’ve got tender chicken that soaks up all the rich, savory flavors of the sauce, and then you’ve got broccoli adding that fresh, slightly crunchy bite – not to mention a boost of nutrients.
I get it – we need meals that satisfy everyone and don’t take forever to make. This dish checks all the boxes. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can make the sauce a bit sweeter, spicier, or even add extra garlic for that extra kick.
Cooking chicken with broccoli also means less hassle, less clean-up, and a meal that looks as good as it tastes. So, if you want something simple, healthy, and family-approved, chicken and broccoli is the way to go!
Chicken and Broccoli Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – Thinly sliced chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs flavors easily, staying juicy and tender in the stir fry.
- Broccoli Florets – Adds a fresh, crisp texture and a pop of vibrant green color, along with essential nutrients and fiber.
- Garlic and Ginger – These aromatics bring a warm, savory depth to the dish; garlic adds richness, while ginger (optional) provides a hint of spice.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce – The base flavors of the sauce, with soy sauce adding saltiness and oyster sauce lending a rich, umami depth.
- Cornstarch Mixture – Helps thicken the sauce, creating a silky, glossy coating on the chicken and broccoli.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a subtle nutty flavor at the end, giving the dish a warm and aromatic finish.
How To Cook Chicken and Broccoli
Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for just 2 minutes – this quick blanch keeps them tender yet crisp. After 2 minutes, remove the broccoli and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Now, grab a large pan or wok and heat it over medium. Add a bit of cooking oil, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them for a minute or so until they’re fragrant – that’s when you know they’re ready!
Cook the Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan with the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry the chicken, making sure each piece gets some color. Cook it until the chicken is almost done, but still tender.
Add the Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring everything well. Let the chicken simmer in this saucy goodness for a couple of minutes. Now’s the time to add a dash of black pepper and a bit of brown sugar, stirring to combine all those flavors.
Thicken the Sauce
Give the cornstarch mixture a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Let it come to a gentle boil, stirring often. The sauce should start to thicken up and get nice and glossy.
Add the Broccoli
Return the blanched broccoli to the pan, stirring it into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Final Touches and Serve
Turn off the heat and drizzle a bit of sesame oil over everything. Give it one final toss to coat, then you’re done! Serve this hot, and enjoy the savory, saucy goodness of your chicken and broccoli stir-fry!
Tips in Cooking Chicken With Broccoli
1. Blanch the Broccoli First
Give the broccoli a quick 2-minute boil before stir-frying. This keeps it bright green and tender-crisp, without losing its crunch.
2. Slice the Chicken Thinly
Thinly sliced chicken cooks faster and absorbs the flavors of the sauce better. Try to cut the pieces evenly so everything cooks at the same pace.
3. Use High Heat for Stir-Frying
Cook the chicken and broccoli over medium-high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps the ingredients tender.
4. Don’t Skimp on Garlic and Ginger
These aromatics are the secret to adding depth to your stir-fry. If you like an extra kick, feel free to add a bit more!
5. Thicken the Sauce Slowly
Add the cornstarch mixture gradually and let it come to a gentle boil. This ensures a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly.
6. Finish with Sesame Oil
A drizzle of sesame oil right before serving adds a subtle nutty flavor that ties everything together. Just a few drops make a big difference!
These simple tips will help make your chicken and broccoli stir-fry extra flavorful and perfectly cooked every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid a watery dish. Just blanch it for a shorter time since it’s already partially cooked.
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little sugar for sweetness. This will still give your dish a nice flavor without compromising too much.
You can prepare the chicken and broccoli in advance, but it’s best to cook them just before serving for optimal freshness and texture. Reheating can make the broccoli mushy, so enjoy it freshly made!
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth in place of the oyster sauce for a delicious vegetarian stir fry.
Chicken Broccoli
Ingredients
- 500 grams Chicken Breast (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (optional, minced)
- 1/2 cup Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tsp Cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil optional, for that nice hint of nuttiness
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat and add cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan, stir-frying until it’s almost cooked through.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, and let the chicken simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the black pepper powder and brown sugar, stirring well.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture well, then pour it into the pan. Let the sauce come to a gentle boil, stirring until it thickens.
- Return the blanched broccoli to the pan and let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Turn off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and give it a final toss.
- Serve hot, and enjoy this delicious, saucy chicken broccoli stir-fry!
