Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender chicken pieces and vibrant broccoli florets are enveloped in a savory, glossy sauce, making every bite an irresistible balance of textures and tastes. Perfectly adaptable for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that create a big, satisfying impact on your palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this stir-fry right starts with fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in the final dish. From tender chicken to crunchy broccoli and a sauce that ties it all together—every item has a job to make your Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe shine.

• Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Broccoli florets: Choose bright green heads for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that’s perfect for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
• Garlic clove: Minced to release fragrant, savory notes that elevate the dish.
• Soy sauce: Adds that essential umami depth and a hint of saltiness.
• Oyster sauce: Brings richness and a slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that silky, thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the ingredients.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory base for the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
• Cooked rice: For serving, making each bite comforting and complete.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breast into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Season them lightly with salt and pepper—this little seasoning move will amplify the chicken’s natural flavor as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth until smooth and lump-free. This luscious mixture is the magic glue that brings the chicken and broccoli together with a glossy finish.

Step 3: Heat Up the Pan

Warm up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The right temperature is key here—hot enough to sear the chicken and keep the broccoli crisp without burning the garlic.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic to the hot pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic step gives your stir-fry that wonderful flavor base you’ll want with every mouthful.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken slices in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed until they develop a slight golden edge and are no longer pink inside, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This caramelization adds an irresistible savory note to the dish.

Step 6: Set Chicken Aside

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate temporarily. This helps you control the cooking process and prevents overcrowding the pan, which can make vegetables soggy.

Step 7: Cook the Broccoli

In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them bright green and tender-crisp—anything less would be underdone and too raw, anything more would be limp and losing their vibrant snap.

Step 8: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour your prepared sauce over the ingredients. Stir everything together constantly to allow the sauce to thicken and evenly coat each piece, creating that luscious layer of flavor.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

Give it a taste and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can really bring out the best in a dish like this.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Plate the saucy chicken and broccoli over fluffy steamed rice. The rice perfectly soaks up the sauce, making it a complete and utterly satisfying meal.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Top your dish with some toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for a lovely crunch and fresh zing that livens up every bite. A drizzle of chili oil is great if you like a kick of heat.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to keep it wholesome. For extra veggies, a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots make refreshing companions without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in colorful bowls for an inviting look, or pile it into lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. You can even sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for an unexpected twist and delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash this recipe for longer, freezing is an option. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just note that broccoli’s texture might soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until piping hot. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! While broccoli is classic, you can add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to mix up textures and colors. Just adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure the oyster sauce is also gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free alternative.

Can I use thigh meat instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs will add more richness and moisture to the dish. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as thighs take slightly longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to slice chicken for stir-fry?

Slice the chicken thinly against the grain. This helps keep the pieces tender and ensures they cook quickly and evenly, which is ideal for a stir-fry like this.

How spicy is this Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?

This recipe is mild by default but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh chili, or a drizzle of chili oil to spice it up according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a homemade Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a dish that blends simplicity with rich flavor, making it a staple you’ll find yourself cooking again and again. So go on, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating an easy, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

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