Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

“Quick and easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with a flavorful homemade stir fry sauce. This healthy and delicious recipe features tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sautéed mushrooms, all coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal your whole family will love. Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a versatile and gluten-free dinner option. Try this delicious stir fry recipe today!”

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4″ pieces
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (extra light olive oil or your choice), divided
• 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
• 1 small yellow onion, sliced into strips
• 1/2 lb white button mushrooms, thickly sliced

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 2/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free option), or to taste
• 2 Tbsp light brown sugar (or honey to taste)
• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tsp garlic, grated (about 2 small cloves)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more for seasoning the chicken

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, light brown sugar, corn starch, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Whisk until the sugar and corn starch are dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with black pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute to get a good sear. Stir fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, loosely covered, to keep warm.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil. Add the broccoli florets, sliced onion, and sliced mushrooms. Stir fry for about 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Combine the Sauce and Vegetables:
   Give the sauce a quick stir to ensure the corn starch hasn’t settled, and pour the sauce over the vegetables. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the garlic and ginger have mellowed. If the sauce gets too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
5. Finish the Dish:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat through for about 30 seconds. Taste and add more soy sauce if needed.
6. Serve:
   Serve your chicken and broccoli stir fry over hot rice and enjoy!

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Tips:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
• For a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch dissolved in water.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or zucchini.
• Protein: Swap out chicken for beef, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a different take on this stir fry.
• Gluten-Free: Use Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Sweeteners: You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as alternatives to brown sugar.

FAQs:

Can I make the stir fry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the stir fry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish without cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer a thinner sauce. If you want a natural thickener, try using arrowroot powder or potato starch instead.

Can I freeze this dish?
While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable stir fry without the rice for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop and add a little extra water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this stir fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Add a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and savory stir fry sauce come together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Simple ingredients and simple steps lead to a delicious, healthy meal that the whole family will love!