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Have you ever craved the comforting flavors of your favorite takeout stir fry but wished for a healthier, home-cooked version? This Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli recipe is just what you need. It brings that satisfying taste of a Chinese restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, with fresh ingredients and a rich, flavorful sauce you can feel good about serving to your family.
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Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli – Quick & Healthy Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli recipe that’s easy to make for family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless, cut into 3/4″ pieces
2 Tbsp cooking oil (extra light olive oil), divided
1 lb broccoli florets (about 5 cups)
1 small yellow onion, sliced into strips
1/2 lb white button mushrooms, thickly sliced
For the sauce:
2/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar (or honey to taste)
1 Tbsp corn starch
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 tsp garlic (2 small cloves), grated
1/4 tsp black pepper plus more for seasoning chicken
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients and whisk to dissolve sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with pepper. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in single layer, cook undisturbed 1 min, stir fry 5 min until golden and cooked through; remove and keep warm.
3. Stir Fry Veggies: Add oil to skillet, add broccoli, onion, and mushrooms. Stir fry 3 min until mushrooms soften and broccoli is crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Add Sauce: Stir sauce and pour over veggies. Simmer 3-4 min until thickened and flavors mellow.
5. Combine & Serve: Return chicken to pan, stir to heat through 30 sec. Adjust soy sauce to taste, serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
Use fresh vegetables for best texture.
Peel ginger by scraping with the side of a spoon.
Avoid frozen broccoli which can water down the sauce.
Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients for Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli
To make this dish perfect for 4 servings, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) | 1 lb, cut into 3/4″ pieces |
| Cooking oil (extra light olive oil recommended) | 2 Tbsp, divided |
| Broccoli florets | 1 lb (about 5 cups) |
| Yellow onion | 1 small, sliced into strips |
| White button mushrooms | 1/2 lb, thickly sliced |
For the stir fry sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Low sodium chicken broth | 2/3 cup |
| Low sodium soy sauce (Tamari for gluten free) | 3 Tbsp, or to taste |
| Light brown sugar (or honey) | 2 Tbsp, packed (or to taste) |
| Corn starch | 1 Tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Fresh ginger, peeled and grated | 1 tsp (lightly packed) |
| Garlic (2 small cloves), grated | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp, plus more to season chicken |
Preparing the Stir Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients.
- Whisk to dissolve the sugar and cornstarch thoroughly. Using warm chicken broth helps dissolve these faster.
- Set the sauce aside to use later.
Cooking the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces no larger than 3/4 inches.
- Season lightly with black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sit undisturbed for about a minute to develop a good sear.
- Stir fry the chicken for an additional 5 minutes or until golden and just cooked through.
- Remove the chicken to a bowl, and loosely cover to keep warm.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add broccoli florets, sliced onion, and sliced mushrooms.
- Stir fry for about 3 minutes, until mushrooms are softened and broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for the sauce addition.
Combining Sauce and Stir Fry
- Give the pre-made sauce a quick stir in case cornstarch has settled.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet.
- Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and the flavors of garlic and ginger mellow.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out by adding water a tablespoon at a time.
Bringing It All Together and Serving
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Stir for another 30 seconds until heated through.
- Adjust the soy sauce to your taste if needed.
- Serve your delicious chicken broccoli stir fry hot over steamed white rice.
- For an extra touch, garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- A quick and high-heat cooking technique is key stir frying takes less than 15 minutes.
- Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before starting because the cooking goes fast.
- For perfectly cooked rice, start cooking the rice before the stir fry.
- Avoid frozen vegetables as they can release water and dilute the sauce.
- Use sesame oil for an authentic flavor you don’t want to skip it.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments, adding a splash of water if needed to keep moisture.
- Avoid freezing to keep the broccoli from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I substitute for broccoli?
You can replace broccoli with snap peas or zucchini for a different but still delicious texture and flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs or tenders work well and provide a juicier option.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use Tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
How do I peel fresh ginger easily?
Use the edge of a teaspoon to scrape away the skin, then finely grate it for cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli is a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish you can whip up on any busy weeknight. It satisfies your takeout craving with a homemade touch that’s better for your family’s health and your wallet. With simple yet fresh ingredients and an easy-to-make sauce, this stir fry will quickly become one of your go-to dinner favorites. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this vibrant meal!
Ready to make your own delicious Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli? Gather your ingredients and get started your family will thank you!