Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together in a flash, this Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious, glossy sauce, it delivers the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that make every bite irresistible. This dish is not just quick and easy, but truly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry, it’s going to become a top favorite you’ll crave time and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a star role in crafting the perfect Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry. From the tender chicken to the fresh broccoli and that amazing homemade sauce, each piece adds its own unique flavor and texture to create a harmonious, mouthwatering dish.
- 3 tbsp corn starch/flour: This thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that signature glossy finish.
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and richness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Enhances the savory, slightly briny depth of the stir-fry.
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar: Balances the salty ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced: Adds a bright, zesty kick essential for Asian-inspired meals.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds plus extra to serve: Gives a lovely crunch and toasty burst on every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or water: Forms the saucy base that ties everything together.
- 2 large (500 g) chicken breasts or thighs, sliced: The star protein that turns this into a hearty meal.
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (optional): The secret trick to velveting chicken, making it incredibly tender.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For stir-frying everything to perfection.
- 1 tsp minced garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/2 brown onion, sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 bunch steamed broccoli: Offers vibrant color and satisfying crunch.
- Steamed rice: The perfect bed to soak up all those incredible flavors.
How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry
Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken (Optional but Worth It!)
This step is a real game-changer if you want your chicken to be incredibly soft and juicy. Borrowed from the amazing method called velveting, it involves coating your sliced chicken with a tiny bit of bicarbonate of soda, popping it in the fridge for 20 minutes, then rinsing and patting it dry. This simple trick helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture you often find in restaurant stir-fries.
Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
Combine the corn starch and soy sauce in a jug first, then add hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, and chicken stock. Stir everything well until completely blended. This sauce is at the heart of your Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry, bringing layers of flavor and that glossy finish to your dish.
Step 3: Start Cooking the Aromatics
Heat your vegetable oil and garlic in a large wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. After about 30 seconds, toss in the sliced brown onion and cook for roughly 3 minutes until nicely softened and fragrant. This is where the base flavors start to develop and fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken slices to the wok, stirring constantly until the outside is cooked through. If you tenderized your chicken, you might notice a slight color change in the onions, which is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. This step typically takes about 3 minutes, and it’s essential for sealing in all those juicy flavors.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Simmer
Pour in your prepared stir fry sauce and stir well—it will thicken quickly, turning glossy and irresistible. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 6 minutes so all the flavors meld perfectly together.
Step 6: Finish with Steamed Broccoli
Turn off the heat and fold in your bright, steamed broccoli. Toss to coat the vegetables with that flavorful sauce and get ready to serve. This step not only maintains the broccoli’s vibrant green color and crisp texture but completes your Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry with a fresh, healthy touch.
How to Serve Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving for added crunch and a nutty aroma. A few chopped green onions or a dash of chili flakes can give it a fresh and slightly spicy kick, depending on what your palate prefers.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice pairs beautifully with this dish, soaking up the rich sauce perfectly. If you want to mix things up, try serving it alongside garlic noodles or even some simple steamed dumplings for a wonderful Asian-inspired meal spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry in individual lettuce cups for a fresh bite-sized option that’s perfect for casual entertaining. You could also serve it over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb alternative that still lets all the sauce shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry (though it’s so good, that’s unlikely), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes for a delicious next-day lunch or a quick dinner fix with minimal effort.
Freezing
This stir-fry freezes well, so if you want to batch cook, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months, providing a handy meal option for those busy days when cooking isn’t an option.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a pan over medium heat or use a microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much to keep it saucy and delicious. The broccoli might soften a little but the flavors remain just as fantastic as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. Just steam it according to package instructions before adding it at the end of the stir-fry process to maintain texture and color.
Is it necessary to tenderize the chicken with bicarbonate of soda?
It’s not required, but highly recommended if you want restaurant-style tender chicken. The bicarbonate of soda technique (velveting) keeps the chicken extra soft and juicy, perfect for this stir-fry.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little mushroom sauce for a similar savory depth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and replace chicken stock with vegetable broth. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep the same rich taste without animal products.
How spicy is this Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry?
This recipe is naturally mild, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh sliced chili, or a drizzle of chili oil to bring some heat if you like things spicy!
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry feels like giving yourself a big, delicious hug at the end of the day. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and hits all the right notes for a comforting yet uplifting meal. I can’t recommend it enough—grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the magic of one of my all-time favorite stir-fries!
