Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory stir fry sauce. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The stir fry sauce is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy, complementing the freshness of the broccoli and the lean chicken. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable, allowing you to add more vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)

• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

2. Add the chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the garlic and onion, and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

6. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir to coat everything evenly.

7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry and add it to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve the stir fry over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes (including prep and cooking)

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

2. Switch Protein: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor and texture.

3. Spicy Stir Fry: For an extra kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chili paste to the sauce.

4. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

5. Crispy Chicken: For extra crispiness, coat the chicken slices in a little cornstarch before frying, or even deep-fry them before adding them to the stir fry.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the stir fry fresh so the broccoli stays crisp and the chicken remains tender.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for its texture and flavor, but you can use frozen broccoli if necessary. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before stir-frying.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes, chili paste, or even a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is relatively low in carbs and could be made even more keto-friendly by serving it without rice or noodles or using cauliflower rice instead.

Can I substitute the soy sauce with something else?

If you’re avoiding soy, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce in this recipe for a similar flavor.

What can I serve with this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

This dish pairs well with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce in place of the oyster sauce.

Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stir fry. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, the broccoli may lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste great.

Can I add a sauce for extra flavor?

Yes! You can add a drizzle of hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or even a dash of teriyaki sauce for additional flavor.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the different proteins.

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this dish is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious. Give this stir fry a try for a simple yet flavorful dinner that everyone will love!