Quick and Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in 16 Minutes

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is one of those glorious recipes that turns everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Picture tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce, all ready in just 16 minutes – yes, please! This dish perfectly marries ease and flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a quick meal when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

As someone who has juggled the chaos of day-to-day life while striving to serve homemade food, I can tell you that this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a lifesaver. I recall the evenings when I’d dash home from work, feeling like a superhero, eyes set on whipping up something delicious with the ingredients I could rummage through in my fridge. That moment of triumph when the stir fry hits the table is every busy cook’s joy!

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry:

500 g chicken breast – Thinly sliced to ensure quick cooking and tenderness; boneless thighs are a great alternative too.
1 1/2 tsp baking soda – A secret tenderizing agent that helps keep the chicken juicy.
2 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch – For an ultra-smooth sauce; helps to thicken the stir fry nicely.
3 tbsp light soy sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor; feel free to adjust for saltiness to your liking.
1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine) or Mirin – A splash of sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors.
3 tbsp oyster sauce – The superstar of the sauce; it brings that glorious savory goodness.
2 tsp sesame oil, toasted – Adds richness and nuttiness; a little goes a long way!
Dash of white pepper – A subtle kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.
2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable or canola) – For frying; choose a high smoke point oil for best results.
1/2 onion, sliced – Adds sweetness and a lovely crunch to the dish.
2 garlic cloves, finely minced – A must-have aromatic for every stir fry; the fragrance is intoxicating!
400 g broccoli florets – Fresh and colorful; a powerhouse of nutrients that make this dish vibrant.
1 1/4 cups water – Helps cook and steam the broccoli to perfection.
White rice or other rice of choice – To serve alongside your stir fry; a blank canvas ready to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry:

Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken
Consider tenderizing the chicken breast using baking soda. This little trick makes a world of difference in juiciness. Sprinkle the baking soda over the sliced chicken, mixing it in, and let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Steam or boil the broccoli until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Depending on your preference, this can take about 2 to 4 minutes. Drain well and set aside; you want it vibrant and ready to shine in the dish.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with the soy sauce until it is lump-free. Then, add in the remaining sauce ingredients: Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Give it a good stir, and voila – you have your flavorful sauce ready to go.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once it’s hot, add the garlic and onion, stirring for about 10 seconds until the garlic begins to turn golden – keep a close eye to avoid burning, as garlic can go from golden to charred in a blink!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Add the tenderized chicken to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes or just until it is cooked through. You want it golden and slightly crisped on the edges without overcooking.

Step 6: Combine and Serve
Toss in the broccoli, along with the pre-mixed sauce and water. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients in that glorious shine. Serve hot over fluffy white rice, and prepare to dive into a bowl of pure yumminess!

Your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is now ready to grace your dinner table! This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that is bound to impress anyone lucky enough to be served. Enjoy every bite, knowing that you just whipped up this incredible dish in the time it takes to order takeout!

Perfecting Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Cooking Process

To achieve the best results when making Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, start with searing the chicken first, then cook your broccoli. While they’re working their magic, whisk up the sauce. This sequence allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch to Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for a twist. You can also add red bell pepper or even snow peas for additional crunch. Experiment with chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous for a spicy kick.

Storing & Reheating Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water in the pan over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring the broccoli remains vibrant and crispy.

It was one hectic weeknight when I whipped up this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. My kids devoured it and declared it “better than takeout.” Their smiles made the effort worthwhile, turning a simple dinner into a family’s favorite creation.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

What is Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a flavorful, quick-cooking dish that combines tender slices of chicken breast and vibrant broccoli florets, all tossed in a savory sauce. This dish is popular in Chinese cuisine and is loved for its ease of preparation. With a few simple ingredients, it brings a delightful balance of taste and texture to your dinner table. Plus, it can be enjoyed over rice, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

How long does it take to make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

One of the best aspects of Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is its speed. You can prepare this delicious dish in as little as 16 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. In just ten minutes of preparation and six minutes of cooking, you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready to serve. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to whip up something tasty without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Can I customize Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is highly versatile. You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp and add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. This flexibility allows you to tailor the stir fry to your specific tastes and dietary preferences, making it a dish you can enjoy repeatedly without getting bored.

What can I serve with Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

While Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is often served over white rice, you can also pair it with brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a heartier meal. For a refreshing side, consider a simple salad or steamed dumplings to complement the dish. These accompaniments can bring a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the stir fry, creating a balanced and fulfilling dining experience.

Conclusion for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

In summary, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, delicious option that makes weeknight cooking a breeze. With its tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and flavor-packed sauce, this dish is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your personal touch, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry guarantees a tasty experience that will please the whole family. Don’t hesitate to make it part of your regular meal rotation!

Quick and Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a speedy, delectable dish sure to become a family favorite, ready in just 16 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 239

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 500 g chicken breast, thinly sliced or boneless thighs
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch
• 3 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing wine) or Mirin
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil, toasted
• Dash white pepper
• 2 tbsp oil (peanut, vegetable or canola)
• 0.5 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 400 g broccoli florets broken/cut into small bite size pieces
• 1.25 cups water
• white rice or other rice of choice for serving

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Consider tenderising chicken breast using baking soda (not needed for thigh).
2. Steam or boil broccoli until cooked to your taste, then drain well.
3. Mix cornflour and soy sauce until lump free, then mix in remaining sauce ingredients.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and onion, stir for 10 seconds until garlic starts to go golden.
5. Add chicken and cook for 2 minutes or until the chicken is just cooked through.
6. Add broccoli, sauce, and water. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the ingredients.
7. Serve over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSodium: 1045mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water in the pan over medium heat until warmed through.

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