Quick Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe to Try

Bring the vibrant flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen with this quick and wholesome chicken and broccoli stir fry. This dish perfectly balances tender chicken with crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Designed for busy weeknights, it delivers a colorful and satisfying meal that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. With its blend of textures and flavors, this stir fry is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Begin by preparing the chicken, seasoning the slices lightly with salt and pepper, and patting them dry to ensure even searing. While the chicken rests, create the sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and the cornstarch-water mixture in a small bowl, setting it aside for later use.

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok and cook the chicken in a single layer until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove it from the pan. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger briefly, then stir fry the broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper until crisp-tender. Return the chicken to the pan, pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, and stir until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, serving over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Cooking Time

The preparation for this dish takes approximately 10 minutes, allowing you to quickly chop vegetables and season the chicken while keeping everything organized. Cooking requires an additional 10 minutes, during which the chicken is seared to perfection and the vegetables are stir-fried until crisp-tender, resulting in a total time of just 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when a flavorful, homemade meal is needed in no time.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this chicken and broccoli stir fry contains roughly 290 calories, with 30 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fiber. Sodium content is estimated at 660 mg, making it a balanced choice for a flavorful yet health-conscious meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freezing is not recommended, as it may compromise the crispness of the vegetables. To reheat, gently warm the stir fry on the stovetop to preserve the textures and flavors.

Suggestions and Variations

For added variety, consider incorporating snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms into the stir fry. Proteins can be swapped with shrimp, beef, or tofu, and a splash of sriracha or chili flakes can provide a delightful spicy kick. This dish pairs beautifully with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or a selection of noodles, offering flexibility to suit different preferences.

Seasonal Relevance

While this stir fry is suitable throughout the year, it shines in spring and summer when fresh, crisp vegetables are at their peak. The colorful presentation and vibrant flavors make it an appealing choice for both casual family dinners and more elegant weeknight meals.