Chicken and Broccoli

There’s something truly heartwarming about a plate of Chicken and Broccoli. It takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of sautéing chicken and fresh broccoli would fill the air, inviting us all to gather around the table. On busy weeknights, this recipe became a go-to, as it’s not only quick but also brings together wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress. The best part? You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for those evenings when you crave something delicious yet effortless.

Shopping List for Chicken and Broccoli

When it comes to preparing a delicious Chicken and Broccoli, the quality of ingredients truly matters. Each element plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to life. The star players here are the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which provide a hearty protein base, and fresh broccoli florets that add a vibrant crunch. Together, they create a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Kosher salt and pepper, for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation Steps for Chicken and Broccoli

Preparing Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful experience that comes together quickly. You’ll love how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Let’s walk through the steps to bring this dish to life, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

1. Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This includes your sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Set this mixture aside as it will bring all the wonderful flavors together later.
2. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, which indicates it’s hot enough for cooking.
3. Season your bite-sized pieces of chicken with kosher salt and pepper, then carefully add them to the hot wok. Sauté the chicken for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden brown and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and keep it aside.
4. In the same wok, add another tablespoon of sesame oil, followed by the minced garlic and ginger paste. Cook these for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
5. Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 4 minutes until they are tender yet still have a nice bite to them. Once they’re cooked, remove them from the wok and set them aside as well.
6. Return to the wok and pour in the sauce you made earlier, heating it over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce begins to thicken and bubble, which is a sign it’s ready.
7. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the wok with the sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Allow this to heat through for about 3 minutes, ensuring everything is warm.
8. Finally, serve your Chicken and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice. For an extra touch, you can garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Switch It Up

There’s always room for innovation in the kitchen. While Chicken and Broccoli is fantastic as is, here are some tips to switch it up and keep things exciting.

• Add More Vegetables: Consider incorporating bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Change the Protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different twist on flavors.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try using teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce in place of the oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Use Brown Rice: For a healthier alternative, serve the dish over brown rice instead of white rice.

Serve This Chicken and Broccoli With

When it comes to serving Chicken and Broccoli, there are countless options to complement this delicious meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Steamed Rice: The classic combination – fluffy white rice is perfect for absorbing the savory sauce.
• Quinoa: For a nutritious alternative, serve this dish over quinoa for added protein and fiber.
• Asian Salad: A light salad with sesame dressing pairs beautifully, adding freshness and crunch.
• Egg Rolls: Fried or baked egg rolls make for a delightful appetizer alongside this main dish.
• Date Night: This dish is perfect for a cozy date night at home. Serve it with candlelight and enjoy a lovely evening together.
• Weeknight Dinners: It’s also a fantastic choice for family weeknight dinners; everyone will love it!
• Leftover Lunches: Pack any leftovers for a quick and satisfying lunch at work or school.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic dish that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition in one delightful package. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love!

Chicken and Broccoli

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce combine to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. Make it tonight for a delicious and healthy dinner!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil divided
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• Kosher salt and pepper for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment

• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper then add the chicken to the wok. Cook and sauté for 6 minutes until golden brown and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
4. Returning to the wok, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, garlic, and ginger paste. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4 minutes until tender and browned on the outside then remove and set aside.
6. Returning to the wok, add the sauce. Heat the sauce over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will cook and start to thicken.
7. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back to the wok with the sauce. Stir to evenly coat the ingredients with the sauce and heat through for 3 minutes.
8. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of rice or quinoa.
• Meal Prep: Prepare larger batches for quick meals throughout the week.
• Garnishing: You can add chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

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Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.