Description
Garlic chicken & broccoli stir-fry delivers a zesty Asian-inspired dance of flavors that sizzles with aromatic spices and quick-cooked protein. Crisp broccoli and tender chicken mingle in a savory sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) honey
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) grated ginger (optional)
Optional Garnish and Flavor:
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked through. Season with salt and pepper during the process. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate once done.
- Use the same skillet to steam broccoli florets with a minimal water splash, maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Remove the broccoli and set aside once it reaches the perfect tenderness.
- Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Reunite the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli in the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Gently stir to ensure every morsel is evenly coated, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
- Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds across the top or drizzling a hint of sesame oil. Present the stir-fry piping hot, accompanied by fluffy rice or delicate noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and better caramelization.
- Slice broccoli into similar-sized florets for consistent steaming and to prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain hard.
- Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative that maintains the sauce’s sweetness.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free and lower in sodium.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat and a spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Meal prep by cooking chicken and chopping vegetables in advance to reduce total cooking time and simplify weeknight dinner preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg