Looking for an easy dinner that the whole family will love? This chicken and broccoli stir fry is your answer!
Packed with juicy chicken thighs, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and vibrant bell peppers, this dish is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in no time. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce creates a savory sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and vegetables, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
This broccoli recipe is not just quick to whip up, but it also offers a perfect balance of flavors.
With the addition of rice vinegar and a touch of brown sugar, you’ll get that desirable depth that elevates the dish. Serve it over brown rice or cauliflower rice, and you’ve got a wholesome meal that fits nicely into your calorie diet while keeping your daily values in check.
Plus, the leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for meal prep!
Next time you’re craving takeout, skip the Chinese restaurant and try this homemade chicken broccoli stir fry recipe instead. It’s flexible, allowing you to mix in your favorite vegetables like snap peas or water chestnuts for extra crunch. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s bound to be a staple in your home.
Captivating Colors and Textures
A vibrant plate of chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a feast for the eyes and the palate. The dish showcases juicy pieces of tender chicken thighs surrounded by crisp-tender broccoli florets, colorful bell peppers, and snap peas. Each ingredient adds its own unique texture, creating a harmonious blend that is both visually appealing and satisfying.
The fresh broccoli and colorful bell peppers not only enhance the dish’s aesthetic but also contribute to a balanced meal that can fit into your calorie diet. With the addition of baby corn and water chestnuts, this stir fry recipe offers a delightful crunch that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. The vibrant colors invite you to dig in and enjoy a wholesome, easy dinner that the whole family will appreciate.
A Savory Sauce to Elevate the Dish
The real star of this chicken broccoli stir-fry recipe is the savory sauce that ties everything together. Crafted from a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, this sauce mixture offers a depth of flavor that coats each piece of chicken and vegetable beautifully.
To enhance the flavor profile even further, ground ginger and minced garlic are added, creating an aromatic experience that tantalizes the senses. A touch of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of brown sugar provide a well-rounded taste that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. The result is a thicker sauce that clings to the ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Quick Preparation for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is an excellent option for busy weeknights, requiring just 25 minutes from start to finish. The prep time is minimal, with simple steps that make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and prepping the vegetables, making sure to have everything ready before you heat the pan.
Using a large skillet or hot wok, the chicken is cooked until golden brown, followed by a quick stir-fry of the vibrant vegetables. This method not only retains the crisp texture of the broccoli and bell peppers but also ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender.
With such a straightforward approach, this recipe is ideal for those looking to whip up an easy meal without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
One of the great things about this chicken broccoli stir-fry is its versatility.
While it’s delicious as is, the recipe can easily be adapted to suit personal preferences. You can substitute or add vegetables such as green beans or bok choy, allowing for a flexible recipe that caters to what you have on hand.
To serve, this stir-fry is best enjoyed over fluffy white rice or brown rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully as a substitute. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds for an additional layer of flavor and texture!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This broccoli chicken stir fry is not only quick to prepare, but it also stores well, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep. Leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dish multiple times throughout the week.
When reheating, simply place the stir-fry in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through. This ensures that the chicken remains tender, and the vegetables retain their crisp-tender quality. With its ease of preparation and delicious taste, this stir fry recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Quick and Tasty Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a delightful blend of tender pieces of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli in a thicker sauce that supports all the vibrant flavors. The addition of ground ginger and garlic gives it a fragrant aroma, while red pepper flakes add just the right bit of heat, making it a good stir fry for those who enjoy a kick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup baby corn
- 1 cup water chestnuts, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (thickening agent)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or brown rice for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and preparing the vegetables.
- Heat the Wok: In a large skillet or hot wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, baby corn, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Pour this sauce mixture over the vegetables and stir well.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, if necessary. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over cooked rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
This recipe is part of my 119 Hearty Winter Recipes You’ll Love When It Gets Cold. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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