If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious meal that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than this Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and crunchy carrots, all coated in a savory sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Let’s get into the details of creating this delightful stir fry!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There are so many reasons why you’ll love this Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry! First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights. The tender, thinly sliced chicken cooks in just minutes, while the crisp broccoli and carrots add bright color and nutrition. Plus, the sauce, with its blend of soy sauce, hoisin, and a hint of Sriracha, offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Finally, you can easily customize this dish with your favorite veggies or even switch up the protein. What’s not to love?
Shopping List
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups carrots, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Equipment & Tools
- Wok or large skillet – Perfect for stir-frying your ingredients evenly.
- Cutting board – For slicing your chicken and vegetables.
- Knife – A sharp knife will make quick work of slicing.
- Measuring spoons – To measure out your sauces and seasonings accurately.
- Spatula – To stir fry and toss the ingredients together.
From Start to Finish: Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, sugar, and rice vinegar. This sauce will give your stir fry a deliciously rich flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil
In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil in the wok. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright and tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine and Sauce It Up
Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the stir fry from the heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry!
Season-by-Season Upgrades
- Spring: Add snap peas or asparagus for a fresh crunch.
- Summer: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for a vibrant color.
- Fall: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or bok choy for an earthy flavor.
- Winter: Use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available; they work well in stir fry!
Don’t Do This
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; this can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should remain crisp and colorful.
- Don’t skip the marinating step; it enhances the flavor of the chicken significantly.
Storage Pro Tips
If you have leftovers of your Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back moisture. For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use frozen chicken for this stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely and slice it thinly before marinating. Frozen chicken may require a bit more cooking time, so ensure it’s cooked through before serving.
What can I serve with Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry?
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, or you can serve it over noodles for a heartier meal. You might also enjoy it with a side of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake With Ritz Crunch for a comforting twist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove excess moisture.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Sriracha and red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you love heat, feel free to add extra!
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the insights and tips for making a delicious Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give it a try! This dish not only delivers on flavor but also on health benefits, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight meal rotation. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, sugar, and rice vinegar. This sauce will give your stir fry a deliciously rich flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken.
- Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil in the wok. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright and tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the stir fry from the heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce.
- For longer storage, freeze in a safe container for up to 2 months.
