Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

A quick and easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe loaded with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy stir fry pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, offering a delicious homemade takeout experience that’s family-friendly and customizable.

Ingredients:

• For the Stir Fry:
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute with vegetable or olive oil)
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For Serving:
  • 3 cups cooked rice (any kind, see notes)

Instructions:

Prep Work

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture: Combine 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water in a covered container. Shake well and set aside in a cool place.
2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and set aside.
3. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, pat dry, and season with salt and white pepper. Wash, dry, and slice the vegetables.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the chicken pieces and let them sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

1. Reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed.
2. Add broccoli and onion to the skillet, tossing to coat in the oil. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
3. Add the bell pepper slices and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until tender-crisp.

Add the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil.
2. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce. Shake the cornstarch mixture to recombine, then slowly stir it into the sauce.
3. Allow the sauce to bubble gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Reduce heat to low.

Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
2. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce.
• Customizable: Adjust the veggies, protein, or sauce to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please even picky eaters.

Tips

• Cutting Chicken: For easier slicing, freeze the chicken for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
• Perfectly Cooked Vegetables: Keep the heat high and don’t overcrowd the skillet to avoid soggy veggies.
• Thicker Sauce: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixture if you prefer a thicker sauce.
• Rice Prep: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier grains.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or pork.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for variety.
• Sauce Adjustments: For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or sriracha. For a tangier flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store the stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other sides go well with this dish?
Try serving it with egg rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Serving

• Serve over jasmine, basmati, or brown rice.
• Pair with noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a different twist.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.

Suggestions

• Garnishes: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an extra layer of flavor.
• Meal Prep: Double the recipe and divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches or dinners.
• Kids’ Version: Serve the stir fry with plain rice and less sauce for a milder flavor.