Oh, the art of stir-frying! It’s like conducting a symphony in your kitchen, only with sizzling vegetables and tender chicken instead of violins and cellos. Just the other day, I was reminiscing about my first attempt at a stir fry—let’s just say the smoke alarm had its moment.
But this Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry? It’s a game changer, a dish that dances between simplicity and flavor like a well-choreographed routine. Imagine this:
tender chicken pieces mingling with vibrant green broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce that clings to every bite like a favorite old sweater. It’s comfort in a pan, ready in less time than it takes to scroll through your Instagram feed. And yes, it’s perfect for those nights when takeout seems tempting, but your wallet begs for a break.
So, grab your spatula, cue up your favorite playlist, and let’s turn your kitchen into a stir-fry haven—smoke alarms need not apply this time!
Steps
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and mushrooms, cooking until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in ginger and garlic, sautéing for an additional 30 seconds.
- Remove the cooked vegetables from the pan and set aside, covering them to keep warm. Clean the pan with a paper towel and increase the heat to high.
- Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the pan. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer in the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through.
- In a bowl, mix oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Separately, combine cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, cooking for 30 seconds. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Serve the stir fry immediately, optionally with steamed rice on the side.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (or additional broccoli if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 796mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g
FAQ
- How should I cook chicken for a stir fry?
- To achieve the best results, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot pan with oil until it is browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent the chicken from steaming instead of browning.
- What type of sauce is ideal for a stir fry?
- Stir fry sauces typically include soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings like sesame oil, ginger, rice vinegar, or chili sauce. A thickening agent like cornstarch is essential to ensure the sauce adheres well to the chicken and vegetables. This recipe uses oyster sauce, but hoisin sauce can be a suitable substitute.
- Is it necessary to pre-cook broccoli for stir fry?
- There is no need to pre-cook broccoli for a stir fry. It becomes perfectly tender while cooking in the stir fry pan.
- Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
- Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this dish and will yield excellent results.
- How long can leftover chicken and broccoli stir fry be stored?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Tips
- Begin cooking your rice simultaneously with the stir fry preparation. This way, both will be ready at the same time, allowing you to serve a complete meal in just 30 minutes.
- For meal prep, portion the chicken and vegetables into individual containers and add a serving of rice. This makes for a convenient and satisfying lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
- If you’re short on fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli florets can be a great alternative and work well in this recipe.
- Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Stir Fry Pan: A large, heavy-duty skillet or wok is essential for evenly cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Spatula or Stir Fry Turner: A spatula or turner designed for stir frying will help in tossing and turning the ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring ingredients like oil, sauces, and spices.
- Garlic Press or Ginger Grater: If you use fresh garlic or ginger frequently, these tools can be helpful for quick prepping.
- Mixing Bowls: Useful for mixing the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
