Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry served in a colorful bowl

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delicious and healthy dish that is quick to prepare. It combines tender pieces of chicken with fresh broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 3/4 cup thinly sliced onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 5 cups broccoli florets
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together chicken and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until the chicken is coated.
  4. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook, stirring often, until crisp and cooked through, about 6 minutes.
  5. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they are translucent, about 1 minute.
  6. Add the ginger and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. Transfer the chicken mixture to a plate and set aside.
  8. In the empty skillet, add the broccoli and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until bright green and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  10. Add the cooked chicken mixture back to the broccoli in the skillet. Add the sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  11. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry hot over a bed of rice or noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

To store leftovers, place the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

  • For more flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crunchy.
  • You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to enhance the dish.

Variation

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Additionally, feel free to use other types of vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms to change up the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just heat it until it is bright green and heated through before adding the sauce.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Absolutely! There are gluten-free soy sauces available that you can use as a substitute.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the stir fry.