Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Taste of Chinese Takeout at Home
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients and Their Functions
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base for cooking the chicken and broccoli.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy finish.
2 teaspoons ginger, finely chopped: Adds warmth and a slight kick to the dish.
2 cups broccoli florets: Provides a crunchy texture and a fresh, vibrant color.
2 teaspoons sugar: Balances the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces: The meaty centerpiece that is juicy and tender when cooked.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a nice browning on the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare The Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ¾ cup of chicken broth, sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set this aside as the base for your stir fry.
2. Cook The Chicken
Heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Add the chicken pieces along with the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy while adding depth of flavor.
3. Simmer with Sauce
Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through. This allows the chicken to absorb the sauce’s flavors.
4. Add Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets, making sure they are well coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Thicken The Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of chicken broth with the remaining cornstarch, stirring to form a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry over steamed rice or noodles. The simplicity of steamed rice or noodles complements the rich, savory sauce perfectly.
Variants and Substitutions
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and texture.
Protein Substitutions: Swap the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu to change up the protein.
Spicy Kick: Add a hint of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for those who like it spicy.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly meal.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a perfect blend of taste, texture, and nutrition. The tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce come together in a dish that is both comforting and delicious. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences and dietary needs, making it an excellent choice for any night of the week. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to satisfy without the need for takeout. Enjoy the experience of creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home!
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI STIR FRY
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth divided
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch divided
- 2 teaspoons ginger finely chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ¾ cup chicken broth, sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Add chicken, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until chicken is browned.
- Simmer with Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat evenly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add Broccoli
- Stir in broccoli florets. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup chicken broth with the remaining cornstarch to form a slurry. Pour into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve
- Remove from heat and serve over steamed rice or noodles.