When it comes to a balanced meal that’s both delicious and satisfying, this chicken and broccoli recipe has quickly become one of my favorites. From the first time I made it, the tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauce completely won me over.
I love how effortlessly it comes together, even on the busiest evenings! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality stir-fry but made right in your kitchen. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it might just end up on your weekly rotation, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you need convincing that this recipe is worth a try, here are a few reasons why it’s so fantastic!
Quick and Easy Preparation
This recipe is perfect for those hectic days when you struggle to find time to cook. The combination of minimal prep and quick cooking methods ensures the meal will be on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a true lifesaver for weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy and Nutritious
Chicken and broccoli are a powerhouse pairing. Lean protein from the chicken and fiber-packed broccoli makes this dish filling and nutrient-dense. It’s the ideal choice for anyone trying to incorporate healthier options into their diet while still enjoying a tasty meal.
Customizable to Your Preferences
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile. You can add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients. Or, tweak the sauce to match your flavor preferences. Sweeten it, spice it up, or keep it savory—it’s entirely up to you!
Perfect for Any Occasion
While it’s great as a quick weeknight dinner, this dish can also shine during casual dinner parties. Serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or noodles, and it has just the right amount of elegance to impress guests without being overly complicated.
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup is another bonus. Since the magic happens in just one skillet or wok, you don’t have to worry about a mountain of dishes afterward. That means more time to relax and enjoy the meal!
Cooking Time
Here’s exactly how much time you’ll need to prepare and cook this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
To whip up this tasty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts – 2 medium-sized (about 1 lb)
- Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
- Rice vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Cornstarch – 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
- Broccoli florets – 3 cups
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger – 1 tsp, grated
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Oyster sauce – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
Variations
You can adapt this recipe to meet your dietary needs or simply experiment with flavors.
- For a Dairy-Free Option: Swap the oyster sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sugar-Free Recipe: Replace traditional soy sauce with a low-sodium, sugar-free version.
- Extra Flavor Additions: Feel free to enhance the sauce with a dash of chili flakes for heat or a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of items you’ll use and their purposes:
- Cutting board – For slicing chicken and chopping ingredients.
- Knife – To cut the chicken and broccoli.
- Mixing bowls – For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
- Large skillet or wok – Where all the cooking happens.
- Measuring spoons – To get the sauce proportions just right.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful dish.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken 🥣
Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl, then add the chicken. Stir to coat, and set it aside for 15 minutes. This marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it tender as it cooks.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli 🥦
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes. This process softens the broccoli slightly and helps them retain their beautiful green color. Drain them and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken 🍗
Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it out so it cooks evenly. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce 🍶
Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Combine chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a little cornstarch in a separate bowl, then pour it into the skillet. Reduce the heat and whisk the mixture until it thickens. This savory sauce ties everything together.
Step 5: Combine and Serve 🍽️
Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the blanched broccoli. Toss everything until the sauce coats each piece evenly and the dish is warmed through. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve it hot over steamed rice!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marination is Key: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. It’s a short step that makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanching for 2-3 minutes is plenty. Overcooking will make the broccoli mushy.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: This is a quick-cooking recipe, so having all your ingredients measured and ready ensures smooth cooking without delays.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more broth. For a thicker consistency, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it in.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Presentation matters! Serve this dish over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a hearty and balanced meal. For a pop of color and added flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions. Pair with a side of veggie spring rolls for a complete meal that feels like a takeout treat.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a healthy balance of nutrients in every bite! Here’s what you get per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’d like to prepare this dish in advance or save leftovers, here’s what you need to know.
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli (without rice) for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as instructed above. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy this dish fresh, even on the busiest of days!
This video shows you how to make it:
Chicken And Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 2 medium-sized about 1 lb
- Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
- Rice vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Cornstarch – 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
- Broccoli florets – 3 cups
- Garlic – 2 cloves minced
- Fresh ginger – 1 tsp grated
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
- Oyster sauce – 2 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
Instructions
- Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl, then add the chicken. Stir to coat, and set it aside for 15 minutes. This marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it tender as it cooks.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes. This process softens the broccoli slightly and helps them retain their beautiful green color. Drain them and set them aside.
- Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, spreading it out so it cooks evenly. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Combine chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a little cornstarch in a separate bowl, then pour it into the skillet. Reduce the heat and whisk the mixture until it thickens. This savory sauce ties everything together.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the blanched broccoli. Toss everything until the sauce coats each piece evenly and the dish is warmed through. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve it hot over steamed rice!
Notes
- Marination is Key: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. It’s a short step that makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanching for 2-3 minutes is plenty. Overcooking will make the broccoli mushy.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: This is a quick-cooking recipe, so having all your ingredients measured and ready ensures smooth cooking without delays.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more broth. For a thicker consistency, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it in.
