Every time I whip up this chicken and broccoli stir-fry, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners where simplicity and health go hand in hand. It’s like a comforting hug on a plate—quick to make yet bursting with vibrant flavors. And oh, the aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan; it takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where love was always the main ingredient.
Steps
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add broccoli and mushrooms, cooking them for about 4 minutes until they become tender.
- Stir in minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the cooked vegetables from the pan and cover them to keep warm.
- Clean the pan with a paper towel and increase the heat to high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then place them in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Return the cooked vegetables to the pan, stirring them with the chicken for about 2 minutes until warmed through.
- In a bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, chicken broth, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Separately, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cornstarch mixture, bring to a boil, and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately with rice if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (or additional broccoli if you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 796mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g
FAQ
- How should I prepare chicken for a stir fry?
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and then sear it in a hot pan with oil until it is browned and fully cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken browns instead of steams.
- What type of sauce is typically used in a stir fry?
- Common stir fry sauces include soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger, often with a thickening agent like cornstarch. This recipe specifically uses oyster sauce, which can be substituted with hoisin sauce if preferred.
- Is it necessary to pre-cook broccoli before adding it to the stir fry?
- No, pre-cooking is not necessary. The broccoli will become tender as it cooks directly in the stir fry pan.
- Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
- Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe and can be used as a substitute for fresh broccoli.
- How long can leftover chicken and broccoli stir fry be stored?
- Leftovers can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Tips
- Start cooking your rice at the same time as the stir fry to ensure both are ready to serve together, achieving a complete meal in just 30 minutes.
- For meal prep, divide the chicken and vegetables into individual portions and pair with rice for a convenient and satisfying lunch or dinner.
- If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli is a great alternative and works well in this recipe.
- Ensure your chicken pieces are uniformly cut into bite-sized chunks to promote even cooking throughout the stir fry.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan – A high-quality pan is essential for stir-frying.
- Wok – Alternatively, a wok can be used for more traditional stir-frying.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife for cutting chicken and vegetables.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board for food preparation.
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing and mixing the sauce and other ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing the sauce ingredients and cornstarch slurry.
- Airtight Containers – For storing leftovers or meal prep portions.
