Sizzling Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe: A Zesty Dinner Win

My kitchen adventures always lead me to a delightful chicken and broccoli stir fry that promises quick satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners call for something simple yet packed with flavor.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside tender meat in a wok that sizzles with aromatic possibilities.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact when you learn these smart cooking techniques.

Fresh broccoli florets provide a vibrant green contrast against golden-brown chicken pieces.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and green goodness.

Dive into this easy recipe that will become your new go-to meal solution.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• What protein can I substitute for chicken?

You can use tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork as alternative protein options that work well in this stir fry recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase heat level according to your preference.

• Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for better texture, but frozen broccoli and mixed vegetables can work if thawed completely and excess moisture is removed before cooking.

• How do I prevent my chicken from becoming tough?

Slice chicken thinly against the grain, cook quickly over high heat, and avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness and juiciness in the stir fry.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Is a Family Favorite

• Speed Up Dinner: Conquer a delicious meal in just minutes with this lightning-fast stir fry that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, or add extra protein to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack a serious health punch with lean chicken, vibrant broccoli, and colorful bell peppers that deliver essential vitamins and protein in every single bite.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to create a complete meal that goes from stovetop to table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main source of meat for this stir fry dish.

• Broccoli Florets, Bell Pepper, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and nutritional value to the stir fry.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth of flavor and a zesty kick to the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Savory Asian-inspired sauces that create a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the other sauce components.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty aroma and authentic Asian taste.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy and clingy sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for stir-frying chicken and vegetables.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Optional garnishes that add visual appeal and extra texture to the dish.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in chicken slices and cook while stirring frequently. Keep moving the chicken around until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Veggie Medley

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped carrots
• Broccoli florets

Stir and toss the vegetables quickly, allowing them to dance in the hot pan. Cook until they become bright and tender-crisp.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Blend cornstarch with the sauce to create a silky, glossy coating.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir and toss until every morsel is beautifully coated and glistening.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the stir fry over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Pro Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Boost Protein Precision: Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout the stir fry.
• Master Vegetable Crunch: Maintain high heat and quick stirring to preserve broccoli's vibrant green color and crisp texture without overcooking.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust sauce ingredients to personal taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or hoisin for sweetness without overwhelming other flavors.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Chop all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent burning while searching for next ingredient.
• Temperature Control Trick: Use a hot wok or skillet to achieve perfect caramelization on chicken and vegetables, creating restaurant-quality stir fry at home.

Variation Ideas for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Tofu Veggie Stir Fry: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein option. Press tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking for better texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake. Sauté cauliflower rice lightly before serving stir fry on top.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free. Check all sauce ingredients to maintain gluten-free standards.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Remix: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Include Korean chili paste to create a more intense, bold flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the stir fry's savory flavors and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Create Balanced Rice Companion: Choose jasmine or basmati rice with subtle fragrant notes that enhance the dish's delicate aromatics and provide a smooth textural contrast.
• Boost Flavor with Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a quick Asian-inspired salad with cucumber, radish, and a light rice vinegar dressing to add brightness and acidity that balances the stir fry's deep umami profile.

Storage Advice for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the stir fry completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place stir fry in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat, add stir fry, and gently stir for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly. This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents sogginess.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 21-24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers a perfect balance of tender meat and crisp vegetables, showcasing classic Asian flavor profiles. Speedy preparation and minimal ingredients make this dish an ideal weeknight meal for home cooks seeking delicious, nutritious comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 0.5 cup sliced carrots

Aromatics and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

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Instructions

1. Sear the chicken in a sizzling hot skillet with vegetable oil at medium-high temperature for 5-6 minutes, ensuring each slice turns golden and cooks completely. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
2. Immediately utilize the same skillet, adding another splash of vegetable oil to sauté aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, colorful bell peppers, crisp carrots, and vibrant broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until vegetables reach a tender-crisp consistency.
3. Craft a robust sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl. Incorporate cornstarch to create a silky, thickening agent for the sauce.
4. Reunite the cooked chicken with the vegetable medley in the skillet, generously coating everything with the prepared sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and bind all ingredients together.
5. Present the stir fry atop steamed white or brown rice, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and delicate green onion slices for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Use high heat to achieve the classic stir-fry wok-like caramelization and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure quick and even cooking, preventing overcooking or burning.
• Customize vegetable mix by adding snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety.
• For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Lower sodium by using reduced-sodium soy sauce and controlling sauce quantity.
• Boost protein content by adding cashews or tofu alongside chicken.
• Create a spicy version by adding sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 11-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg