Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Flavor-packed, healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and savory flavors, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes using only 11 ingredients. It’s gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and Whole30 compliant, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. Enjoy this quick and easy meal any night of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir fry is ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet.
• Flavorful Sauce: The thick and sticky sauce elevates the dish with a zesty kick.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or nonstick pan
• Small bowl or jar for mixing sauce
• Whisk or fork for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or nonstick pan: Provides enough space to cook chicken and veggies evenly without overcrowding.
• Small bowl or jar: Ideal for mixing sauces without making a mess.
• Whisk or fork: Ensures that your sauce ingredients blend well together for a smooth consistency.

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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)

For the Stir Fry Sauce

• 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, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of broth with tapioca flour; whisk until smooth. Set both mixtures aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add olive oil once hot. Place sliced chicken in the pan without overcrowding it; season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 30-60 seconds per side based on thickness. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and repeat with remaining pieces until all are cooked.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

Using the remaining juices in the pan, add broccoli along with salt and pepper. Mix well. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally. If needed, add more broth to help steam the broccoli. Once done, remove veggies from the pan but leave any juices behind.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low after removing broccoli. Allow the pan to cool slightly (30-60 seconds). Whisk your slurry again to eliminate clumps before adding it along with your sauce mixture into the pan. Turn heat back to medium; cook until thickened (about 3-5 minutes) until it coats the back of a spoon nicely.

Step 5: Assemble

Return the cooked chicken and sautéed broccoli back to the skillet; stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Heat through for around 1 minute until warmed.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Garnish your dish with optional toppings such as sesame seeds or green onions before serving alongside white rice or cauliflower rice of choice!

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or something heartier, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With Rice

• White Rice: A classic pairing, white rice absorbs the flavors of the stir fry beautifully.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice offers a great alternative with added vegetables.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the stir fry for a fresh and crunchy bite.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas: Fill whole wheat tortillas with chicken and broccoli for a filling meal.

Salad Base

• Mixed Greens: Serve the stir fry over a bed of mixed greens to add freshness and crunch.
• Quinoa Salad: Combine it with quinoa for extra protein and texture in your salad.

Toppings

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the dish.

How to Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

To achieve the best results when making chicken and broccoli stir fry, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and well-prepared.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vibrant broccoli create a more flavorful dish than their frozen counterparts.
• Control Heat: Maintain medium heat throughout cooking to prevent burning while still achieving a good sear on the chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for additional nutrition and color.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the stir fry to rest for a couple of minutes will help the flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Pairing side dishes with chicken and broccoli stir fry can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce of the stir fry.
2. Garlic Noodles: Simple garlic noodles provide an aromatic side that complements the main dish well.
3. Stir-Fried Veggies: Quick sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas enhance the meal’s nutritional value.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and acidity that balances out the richness of the stir fry.
5. Miso Soup: Light miso soup serves as a warm starter that pairs nicely before enjoying your main course.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with savory flavors in your stir fry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish and ensure a delicious meal.

• Bold preparation techniques: Skipping the marination step can lead to bland chicken. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Bold overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken in the skillet at once can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches for perfectly cooked pieces.
• Bold neglecting the sauce: Not whisking the sauce thoroughly can result in clumps. Ensure you mix well before adding it to the pan.
• Bold overcooking broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Aim for a crisp-tender texture by sautéing for 5-7 minutes only.
• Bold forgetting to season: Under-seasoning your dish can lead to dull flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper accordingly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• It maintains quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

What is Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce.

Can I use other vegetables in my stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

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

Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce makes this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How can I customize my Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

You can customize by adjusting the level of spice or swapping chicken for beef or turkey as per your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various vegetables or proteins. Give it a try, and enjoy a healthy meal that’s packed with flavor!