Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
This Chicken & Broccoli dish is a delightful ode to the comforting flavors we all crave. With tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious glaze and vibrant green broccoli florets, every bite promises to be a nostalgic embrace. Whether you’re rushing home after a long day or cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, this recipe offers both speed and satisfaction. Easy to whip up and infinitely customizable, it’s kid-friendly and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. You won’t just be making a meal; you’ll be creating a moment filled with warmth and love.
Can you remember the last time a simple meal brought everybody together?
Think back to those cozy dinners when the aromas wafting from the kitchen filled your home. Have you ever sat down to a plate of glistening Chicken & Broccoli, the savory scents mingling with laughter and conversation? It’s in these moments where the heart of home cooking shines, and you find yourself questioning why you ever settled for takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick Prep: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
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Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli, it checks all the boxes for wholesome eating.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy the sweet and savory sauce enveloping the chicken and broccoli.
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Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to make this dish shine.
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Personal Touch: You can easily adapt the flavors, adding spices or veggies to create your own unique version.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. finely grated peeled ginger
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp. neutral oil
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 medium heads of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- Cooked brown or white rice and toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Each ingredient plays a vital role, weaving together a tapestry of flavor that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. The garlic brings an aromatic nourishment, while the honey and soy sauce concoct an irresistible glaze that clings to every morsel. With juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice adorned with crunchy sesame seeds, you’ll be lost in a delightful dance of textures and tastes.
Timing
Imagine a dish that tantalizes both your taste buds and your time management skills. This Chicken & Broccoli comes together swiftly, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a fast indulgence after a long day but feels like a meal fit for a special occasion.
If you’re in the mood for something more leisurely, you could add more elements like homemade sauces or marinated ingredients for an extra layer of richness.
Step-by-Step
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In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
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Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken, cooking undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until it easily releases from the pan.
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Stir the chicken and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and just cooked through—about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
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In the same skillet over medium-low heat, toss in the cut broccoli and the prepared garlic mixture. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam until it’s crisp-tender, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
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Uncover the skillet and return the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken and broccoli are well-coated, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
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Serve the stir-fry over bowls of fluffy brown or white rice. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and prepare for your heart and taste buds to rejoice!
Each step transforms your kitchen into an aromatic haven filled with comforting scents. The wafting aroma of garlic, ginger, and honey creates an irresistible allurement that beckons you to gather around the table.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in Chicken & Broccoli, you can relish in the knowledge that each serving is not merely a feast for your senses but also a nourishing addition to your lifestyle. A typical serving contains approximately 400 calories and offers a robust concoction of proteins and essential vitamins.
Being able to satiate your cravings without the guilt of indulgence is a rare gem in the culinary world!
Healthier Alternatives
For those watching their sugar intake, feel free to swap the honey for a low-calorie sweetener or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. You can also use cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative, and consider using coconut milk instead of regular dairy products if you wish to keep it dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to elevate your Chicken & Broccoli experience? Consider serving it alongside a side of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome duo. You can also pair it with a light salad to balance the meal.
And for a special treat, a scoop of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream complements the savory dish beautifully, providing a delightful contrast between savory and sweet.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, leading to a dry texture; ensure it’s just cooked through for maximum juiciness. Another pitfall is not letting the broccoli steam enough, which can lead to a rubbery consistency. Pay attention to timing for both elements.
And don’t forget to cook the chicken undisturbed for that golden-brown sear—stirring too early will prevent that delectable crust from forming!
Storing Tips
Should you have any leftovers (though that’s rarely the case!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
Tempt readers to bake it ASAP
The allure of Chicken & Broccoli is at your fingertips, waiting to transform your mealtime experience into something deliciously memorable. Gather your ingredients and let the kitchen become your canvas where flavors dance and laughter fills the air. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also comforts the soul—so why wait? Dive into the vibrant tastes and textures of Chicken & Broccoli tonight!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen broccoli may need a bit more time to become tender. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by replacing soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before, but for the best texture, reheat gently. -
What can I substitute for the chicken?
Feel free to use tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for seafood lovers. -
How can I add spiciness to the dish?
Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha will bring a delightful spiciness that elevates the flavor profile.
Explore the rich tapestry of flavors and textures with this Chicken & Broccoli recipe, and let it become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!
Print
Chicken & Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and easy Chicken & Broccoli dish that delivers comforting flavors in under 30 minutes. Packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, this meal is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. finely grated peeled ginger
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp. neutral oil
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 medium heads of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- Cooked brown or white rice and toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
- Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken, cooking undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until it easily releases from the pan.
- Stir the chicken and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and just cooked through—about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet over medium-low heat, toss in the cut broccoli and the prepared garlic mixture. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam until it’s crisp-tender, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
- Uncover the skillet and return the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken and broccoli are well-coated, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Serve the stir-fry over bowls of fluffy brown or white rice. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
For those watching their sugar intake, swap the honey for a low-calorie sweetener or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This recipe is adaptable for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg

