Introduction
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with vibrant broccoli and a savory sauce. This meal is not only quick to prepare but also packs a flavorful punch, making it a favorite among busy families and health-conscious individuals. With its colorful presentation and satisfying taste, it is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken Breast – 500g, sliced into thin strips
Broccoli – 300g, cut into florets
Soy Sauce – 1/4 cup
Oyster Sauce – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
Salt and Pepper – to taste
Prep Time
Prep time for this dish is approximately 10 minutes. This includes slicing the chicken and preparing the vegetables, ensuring that everything is ready for a quick cooking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 15 minutes, making the total time for Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. This recipe typically yields 2 to 3 servings, depending on portion sizes, making it an ideal choice for small families or meal prep for the week ahead.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinade Preparation
In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Blanching Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
In a large frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir-Frying Ingredients
Add the blanched broccoli to the pan with the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the remaining marinade.
Finishing the Dish
Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Serving
Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Chicken Variations
You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu if desired. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Broccoli Alternatives
Feel free to use other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots as substitutes or additions to the broccoli.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Gluten-Free Option
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying involves cooking food quickly over high heat in a small amount of oil while stirring continuously. This method helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients.
Marinating
Marinating is the process of soaking food in a mixture of ingredients to enhance flavor and tenderness. In this dish, chicken is marinated to infuse it with a savory taste.
Blanching
Blanching is a technique where vegetables are briefly cooked in boiling water and then quickly plunged into ice water. This retains the vibrant color and crisp texture of the broccoli.
Deglazing
Deglazing involves adding liquid to a hot pan to release the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This enhances the sauce’s richness and depth in stir-fry dishes.
Serving
Serving stir-fried dishes involves plating them immediately after cooking to ensure the food remains hot and the textures are at their best.
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for stir-frying?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh is ideal for stir-frying as it cooks quickly and evenly.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir-fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli gives better texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili to the marinade or stir-fry for an extra kick.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are great additions to enhance color and flavor.
What can I serve with chicken and broccoli stir-fry?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a filling in wraps.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry is not only a quick and easy dish to prepare, but it also combines fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that make for a satisfying meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, whether you prefer additional vegetables or a different protein. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with rice or noodles for a complete family meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Swap the chicken for beef in this classic dish, using tender flank steak for a rich flavor combination with the broccoli.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or an assortment of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry
Introduce some crunch by adding roasted cashews to the dish, elevating it with a mix of flavors and textures.
Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry
Spice it up with Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste for a fiery twist that adds heat and depth to the dish.
Garlic Lemon Chicken Stir-Fry
Infuse your stir-fry with zesty lemon and garlic for a refreshing take that brightens the entire dish.
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Add sweet pineapple chunks for a tropical flair that complements the savory flavors wonderfully.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Replace chicken with shrimp for a quick-cooking alternative that works beautifully with the broccoli and sauce.