Did you know of an love story that begins by eating Chicken & Broccoli? It’s not just a recipe to make one of the most delicious meals for a weeknight – it’s also the story of how two individuals discovered each other on the stove in the sounds of sizzling and the fragrant aromas of a delicious stir-fry.
Meet Sarah an urban girl who couldn’t get ability to cook, and Max an experienced chef who was leaving the crowded dining scene in search of some more tranquil. A few nights ago, Sarah found herself in the middle of a problem: she wanted to impress her colleagues by making something simple and delicious. Afraid, she signed up for a last-minute cooking course to ensure she didn’t embarrassing her self. Unknowingly, Max was going to be the instructor.
They sat together in a tiny, warm kitchen while Max guided her through a straightforward Chicken & Broccoli stir-fry. Through gentle instruction, he explained how to mix broccoli and chicken into the pan. Turn up the heat and let the sauce perform it’s magic. Their relationship slowed down, as the food the meal itself. At the point that the meal was finished, Sarah and Max were smiling at each other with a shy smile.
Today, I’m going show you this identical recipe – the exact one that ignited the love story. It doesn’t matter if you’re making this for a special someone you love, your family or for just you the quick and easy Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is guaranteed to make your dinner unforgettable. We’ll look at the steps to make this famous recipe. It’s suitable for a quick and easy meal for a busy week and also a nutritious option for take-out!
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Why This Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a Must-Try for Best Weeknight Dinners
In the midst of a hectic schedule, making time to cook healthy, hearty meals isn’t easy. This recipe strikes the perfect point between flavor and convenience which makes it among the best dinner options. In just 20 minutes, this stir-fry in one pan doesn’t only help you save time, it’s filled with protein of lean quality as well as vegetables. It’s a balanced food that’s nutritious yet easy to prepare. It’s an excellent alternative to avoiding take-out and cook a meal that’s delicious and nutritious as well. Plus, it’s flexible! Add more vegetables or change the seasoning according to your preferences.
This dish is one which you can make even if you’re not familiar with cooking. Just a handful of ingredients and a simple pan, you can have dinner at the table in a short time.
Ingredients for Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
The best part to this recipe that it’s simple. What you’ll need
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli with florets
- 1 bell pepper red cut into slices (optional to add sweetness and color)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, or sesame oil to add flavor
- Fresh ginger 1 tablespoon crushed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2.25 tablespoons oyster sauce (for the depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (adjust to your the desired sugar sweetness)
- 1 cup of chicken broth, or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed in 2 tablespoons of water in order to make the sauce thicker
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds to give a hint of crunch
- Green onions cut into slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Weeknight Dinner
Are you ready to cook? Follow this step-by-step guide so that you’ll be able to cook the Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry without skipping any beat.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
The first step is to cut the breasts of chicken into thin strips. This will help the chicken cook faster and more equally. It is also helpful to chop the garlic and ginger. In terms of the veggies chop broccoli into small florets, and cut the bell pepper (if you’re making use of it) into strips. Making everything ready in advance is essential to make a good stir-fry as the cooking process is fast.
Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small dish, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce honey (or brown sugar) as well as the chicken broth, or. Separately add the cornstarch and water until the mixture is smooth. This makes the sauce thicker to cover the broccoli and chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
The pan or the wok should be heated at medium-high temperature. Pour in the oil and let the oil warm until it turns into a beautiful shimmer. Add the slices of chicken in one layer. Then, cook each one for about 3-4 minutes, until brown and tender. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and put it in a bowl to cool.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Then, in the same skillet, you can add some oil, if necessary. Then mix in the ginger and garlic minced. Then let them simmer for approximately 30 seconds, until aromatic, but take care not to let them burn. Incorporate the broccoli and bell pepper and stir for 3-4 minutes or until they’re soft-crisp. The goal is to preserve some crunch for an enjoyable texture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Bring the chicken back in the pan along together with the veggies. Add the sauce to the pan mixing carefully to evenly coat all of the ingredients. While the sauce warms it is time to add the cornstarch blend and mix until the sauce has thickened little. This process brings everything in and lets the sauce be evenly coated with the ingredients.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is waiting to be served! Serve with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor as well as a splash of colour. Serve it with rice, steamed or noodles. Or, take it as a stand-alone dish as a light snack.
Why This Chicken & Broccoli Recipe is One of the Best Weeknight Dinners
In a time where easy chicken recipes as well as easy family meals are highly sought-after and coveted, this Chicken & Broccoli stir-fry stands out as a popular recipe. It’s one of the most popular recipes on busy nights:
- Healthy takeaway alternative Choose to skip the delivery! The meal lets you have the ability to control ingredients and portions and provides a more healthy option without compromising taste.
- One-Pan Magic A simple cleanup this stir-fry is great to eat on busy daytime hours. It only requires just one pan for bringing all the ingredients together.
- Flexible and Customizable Are you not a big fan of broccoli? Switch it out for carrots, snap peas or zucchini. The recipe is adaptable and you are you are free to alter the recipe based on your personal preferences or whatever you’ve got on the table.
- Spicy and Delicious Combining oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin gives delicious, umami-like flavors and honey provides a hint of sweetness. It’s the perfect sauce, which connects the dishes.
- Great to use for Meal Prep This stir-fry can be stored well to use to be used up in leftovers, which makes it ideal to prepare ahead. The food can be served as a lunch option or for dinner later in the day.
Common Questions About Easy Weeknight Dinners
What are some easy evening meals that you can make on a weeknight?
Quick weeknight meals are ones that can be prepared quickly generally taking under 30 minutes. They require only the smallest amount of ingredients as well as cooking skills and are therefore suitable to busy households or those who is short of time. For example, this Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect example since it’s made of simple ingredients, and is cooked in just one pan.
Do I have to make this Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry ahead of time?
Absolutely! It is possible to cook this recipe and then store it in the fridge for upto three days. Then, heat it up in a saucepan on low heat or microwave, by adding liquid or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce when you need to.
What should I eat along with this dish?
Serve it on cooked noodles or rice and try cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Serving it alongside a salad or soup could complete the dish, adding options and nutrition.
Are Chicken & Broccoli a healthy choice for dinner?
Yes! The stir-fry you are eating is rich in protein, is low in saturated fat as well as packed with nutrients thanks to the veggies. Making use of fresh ingredients and using minimal oil, it is nutritious as well as the flavor of the sauces and are free of calories.
Tips to Make Your Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Even Better
If you’re looking to push the boundaries and make it a reality, these are the best strategies to elevate this well-known recipe to a new level.
- Marinate the chicken If you’ve got an extra few minutes to marinate your chicken, you can do so with a little soy sauce, and then a pinch of sesame oil. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken particularly if you like stronger flavors.
- Utilize fresh Broccoli Fresh broccoli provides the stir-fry with an appealing, crisp texture. Although frozen broccoli can be used as a last resort Fresh broccoli is more well and soaks up the sauce much more efficiently.
- control the heat The use of a hot pan is vital for stir-frying. it aids in the sear of vegetable and chicken. It also gives the perfect caramelized flavor. Be prepared to crank up the temperature!
- Give it a crunch Add some cashews chopped or chopped almonds over the top to add crunch. It also adds a extra layer of texture.
- Try it out with heat: If you prefer some spice, you can add a splash of chili powder or drizzle of Sriracha in the sauce. It adds a wonderful flavor that goes well with the sweet and savory flavors.
Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry: The Best Weeknight Dinner Recipe with a Touch of Love Story
This Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a healthy take on a classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner that feels both cozy and nutritious.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, adds color and sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds depth and sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients:
- Slice chicken breast into thin strips. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the bell pepper if using.
- Mince the garlic and ginger to have all ingredients ready.
Prepare Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and chicken broth or water. In another cup, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
Cook Chicken:
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken slices in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli and bell pepper, stirring for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine Ingredients:
- Return chicken to the pan, pour in sauce, and stir well. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Serve:
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a lighter meal.
Notes
- Vegetable Variations: Try snap peas, carrots, or zucchini in place of broccoli.
- Spicy Option: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Crunch Factor: Cashews or almonds add texture and richness.
- Make Ahead: This stir-fry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Asian-inspired
- Method: Dinner, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Stir-Fry
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
Wrapping Up: An Easy Weeknight Dinner That Brings People Together
If you’re cooking for your family members or for yourself this Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is an amazing dish that will please you each time. This dish is much more than just an ordinary meal, it’s a tale that’s served on a platter and a moment that’s just waiting to be created. Imagine Sarah and Max while you cook, and think about what happened when something so simple as broccoli and chicken led to something far better.
Enjoy the ease, taste and comfort in this dish. This is a nutritious, easy and a crowd-pleasing option to make for a weeknight when you’re craving some delicious food but have no time to sit at the kitchen. Gather your ingredients and turn the heat up to let this delicious stir-fry add a little affection to the table this evening.