This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this stir fry is full of protein, vitamins, and delicious flavors. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Full List of Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
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500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
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3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
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3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced chicken to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
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Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables
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In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
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Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli florets (and red bell pepper, if using) to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
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Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Serve and Garnish
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Remove the stir fry from the heat.
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Garnish with sliced green onions.
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Serve the chicken broccoli stir fry over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350
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Fat: 12g
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Protein: 40g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugars: 7g
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Sodium: 850mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Stir fry dishes are a hallmark of Chinese and other Asian cuisines. The technique of stir-frying, which involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok with a small amount of oil, preserves the flavors and textures of the vegetables and protein. Chicken broccoli stir fry is a popular take-out favorite that has made its way into home kitchens for its quick preparation and versatility.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Quick and Easy: This stir fry is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
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Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, this dish is both satisfying and good for you.
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Customizable: You can easily adjust the sauce or vegetables to suit your taste. Add mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for extra variety.
Health Benefits
Broccoli is a rich source of vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, which help support the immune system, bone health, and digestion. The chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The use of minimal oil and a flavorful sauce makes this stir fry a healthy and balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
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With Rice or Noodles: Serve this stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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As a Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir fry on its own or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
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Add a Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad with sesame dressing for extra crunch and freshness.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is too small, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid steaming and ensure a nice sear.
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Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little honey or brown sugar to taste. For more heat, add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
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Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the stir fry a bright, aromatic flavor that’s hard to beat, but ground ginger will also work if needed.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Add sliced chili peppers or a tablespoon of chili paste to the sauce for some heat.
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Cashew Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Stir in a handful of roasted cashews for added crunch and flavor.
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Tofu Version: Swap the chicken for tofu to make this stir fry vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, and the savory sauce brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish is versatile, customizable, and easy to make.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
2. Can I freeze this stir fry?
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir fry.
4. Can I make this stir fry spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sliced fresh chilies to make the stir fry spicy.
5. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to suit your preferences.
6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great for this stir fry. They are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts.
7. Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil in place of vegetable oil for cooking.
8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this stir fry.
9. Can I serve this with rice noodles?
Yes, rice noodles or any type of noodles would be great served with this stir fry.
10. Can I add nuts?
Yes, cashews or almonds can be added to the stir fry for extra crunch and flavor.