Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Flavor-packed and healthy, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a sticky stir fry sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With only 11 ingredients, it’s simple to whip up and fits various dietary needs, including gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one pan.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
• Gluten-Free & Paleo Friendly: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add other vegetables to suit your taste.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or nonstick pan
• Small bowl or jar for mixing sauce
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or nonstick pan: Ensures even cooking of the chicken and broccoli without sticking.
• Whisk: Helps to combine the sauce ingredients thoroughly for a well-blended flavor.
• Knife: Essential for slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.

Ingredients

Flavor-packed healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry made with chicken, broccoli, and a thick and sticky stir fry sauce to bring it all together. It’s made in one pan, ready in 30 minutes, and only calls for 11 ingredients! Gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30.

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces ()
• 7 cups broccoli florets (465 grams/about 2 heads)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons chicken broth (plus more for cooking if desired)
• 1/2 cup coconut aminos
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon tapioca flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro…
• For serving: white rice, cauliflower rice…

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl or jar, add coconut aminos, 1/2 cup broth, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Whisk to combine. In another jar, mix 2 tablespoons of broth with the tapioca flour to create a slurry. Set both aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil until hot. Place sliced chicken evenly in the pan without overcrowding. Season with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 30-60 seconds based on thickness. Remove cooked chicken from the pan before repeating with remaining pieces.

Step 3: Saute the Broccoli

Using the leftover juices in the pan from cooking the chicken, add broccoli florets along with salt and pepper. Mix well. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a bit of broth to help steam. Once cooked, remove from the pan but leave behind any juices.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low; let cool briefly. Whisk the slurry again to remove any clumps before adding it along with the stir fry sauce into the pan. Increase heat back to medium and cook until thickened (about 3-5 minutes) until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble

Return both chicken and broccoli back into your skillet. Stir everything together gently until well combined while heating through for about one minute.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Top your dish with optional sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Serve alongside white rice or cauliflower rice as preferred!

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Over White Rice

• Fluffy white rice acts as a perfect base, soaking up the delicious stir fry sauce for added flavor.

Cauliflower Rice

• For a low-carb option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice. It offers a light, healthy alternative that still fills you up.

With Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your chicken and broccoli stir fry.

With Fresh Cilantro

• For an aromatic touch, add chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish. It brings brightness to the dish and complements the lime juice well.

How to Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

To achieve the best chicken and broccoli stir fry, keep these tips in mind for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and crisp broccoli will enhance the overall taste of your stir fry, making it more vibrant and appealing.

• Cut chicken evenly: Slice chicken breast into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps avoid undercooked or overcooked bits.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming. Each piece should have enough room to sear properly for better texture.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before combining it with chicken and broccoli. Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.

• Let the sauce thicken: Allowing the sauce to reach a nappe consistency ensures it clings nicely to your ingredients for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Pairing side dishes with chicken and broccoli stir fry can elevate your meal even further. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that perfectly absorbs sauces, making it an ideal accompaniment.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light salad with quinoa provides a nutritious contrast while maintaining a healthy profile.

3. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick-cooked bok choy adds a crunchy green element that complements the flavors of your main dish.

4. Egg Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to create egg fried rice, offering a savory and satisfying side packed with flavor.

5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and warmth to your meal, perfect for balancing flavors.

6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing brings brightness and crunch, enhancing the dining experience.

7. Noodle Stir Fry: Pair with simple noodle stir fry for an extra filling meal option that still keeps things light.

8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy offer a sweet contrast to the savory stir fry flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a chicken and broccoli stir fry can be simple, but there are common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and remove when it’s just cooked through.
• Ignoring Ingredient Prep: Failing to prep all ingredients before starting can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure everything is ready to go beforehand.
• Crowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken or broccoli at once prevents even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary for better results.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold chicken or broccoli can lower the pan temperature, affecting cooking time. Let them sit at room temperature for a bit before cooking.
• Neglecting the Sauce Thickness: Not thickening your sauce properly can result in a watery dish. Use a slurry and cook until it coats the back of a spoon.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Sauté over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick meal featuring tender chicken pieces and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a flavorful sauce.

Can I customize my Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, switch proteins, or even adjust the sauce flavors to your liking.

Is Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and Whole30 compliant while being packed with lean protein and nutritious veggies.

How do I make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry gluten-free?

Use coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce. This keeps the dish gluten-free while still delivering great flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. With just 11 ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that caters to various dietary needs. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein options, making it perfect for any occasion! Try this recipe today for a delightful dinner experience.