Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Easy & Healthy Recipe

Sweet Sticky Char Siu, that glistening, mahogany-red pork, is a dish that whispers promises of savory-sweet perfection. Have you ever walked past a Chinese barbecue shop and been instantly captivated by the sight of those perfectly glazed cuts hanging in the window? That, my friends, is the magic of Char Siu, and today, I’m going to show you how to recreate that magic in your own kitchen.

Char Siu, which translates to “fork roasted,” has a rich history rooted in Cantonese cuisine. Traditionally, it was cooked over an open fire, the pork skewered on long forks, allowing the flames to impart a smoky depth. While we might not all have access to a traditional open fire, this recipe captures the essence of that authentic flavor using modern cooking methods.

What is it about Sweet Sticky Char Siu that makes it so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the tender, juicy pork, and that unbelievably addictive sticky glaze. It’s a dish that’s equally at home served as a main course with rice and vegetables, tucked into fluffy bao buns, or even sliced thinly as a flavorful addition to noodle soups. The versatility and incredible taste are why it’s a beloved dish worldwide. So, let’s get cooking and bring a taste of Cantonese culinary artistry to your table!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of white pepper
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For Cooking:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• For Garnish (optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper.
2. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Preparing the Broccoli:

1. Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
4. Pour in the water, cover the skillet, and steam the broccoli for another 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. Don’t overcook the broccoli, you want it to still have a little bite!
5. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Stir-Fry Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. If you’re adding red pepper flakes, whisk them in now as well.
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
3. Set the sauce aside for later.

Cooking the Chicken and Stir-Fry:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in the same skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
5. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and bring it to a simmer.
6. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
7. Add the cooked broccoli florets back to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Cook for another minute or two, until the broccoli is heated through and evenly coated with the sauce.

Serving:

1. Serve the Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry!

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up!

If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or a dash of sriracha to the finished dish.

Add more vegetables!

Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as sliced carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Just add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.

Use different protein!

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make it gluten-free!

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Make it vegetarian!

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also omit the oyster sauce or use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute.

Rice or Noodles?

This stir-fry is delicious served over white rice, brown rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice.

Prep Ahead!

You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the chicken and broccoli, and make the stir-fry sauce. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Storage!

Leftover Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Why Marinate?

Marinating the chicken is crucial for a few reasons. First, it helps to tenderize the chicken, making it more pleasant to eat. Second, it infuses the chicken with flavor, ensuring that every bite is delicious. The soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder all contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Broccoli Cooking Tips!

The key to perfectly cooked broccoli in a stir-fry is to achieve a balance between tenderness and crispness. Steaming the broccoli after stir-frying it helps to ensure that it’s cooked through without becoming mushy. Be sure to watch it carefully and remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s tender-crisp.

Sauce Consistency!

The cornstarch in the stir-fry sauce is what helps to thicken it and give it that glossy, appealing look. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the other ingredients to prevent lumps from forming. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can cook it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Wok vs. Skillet!

While a wok is traditionally used for stir-frying, a large skillet will work just fine. The most important thing is to use a pan that’s large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients without overcrowding. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and prevent the ingredients from browning properly.

Serving Suggestions!

Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Serve it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the tender, juicy chicken to the perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in that savory, slightly sweet sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. And honestly, who can resist a meal that’s both delicious and relatively quick to prepare?

I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s so incredibly versatile. Need a quick lunch? This stir-fry reheats beautifully. Want to impress your family with a healthy and flavorful dinner? Look no further! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies – even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of a stir-fry lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even some sliced mushrooms would be fantastic additions. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha at the end.

For a complete meal, serve this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. If you’re watching your carbs, cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative. You could also serve it with some crispy noodles for added texture.

Thinking about variations? Consider swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. A little bit of ginger and garlic adds a wonderful aromatic depth. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of rice wine vinegar or a dash of sesame oil to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! That’s the fun of cooking, right? Experiment with different ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and create a stir-fry that perfectly suits your taste.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry that I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with something unique? What did your family think?

I encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it! It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. And most importantly, please share your creations and experiences with me! Leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or simply tell a friend about it. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I hope this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry becomes a regular in your meal rotation, just like it has in mine. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

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