Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

by

Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fry

This recipe is popular because it is:

  • Quick and easy to make
  • Healthy and balanced
  • Full of flavor
  • Perfect with rice or noodles
  • Great for meal prep

The combination of juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables makes it both satisfying and light.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Stir-Fry

  • 500 g chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 large carrot (sliced)
  • 1 bell pepper (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons oil

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth
  • Black pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken

For tender chicken:

  1. Slice into equal-sized pieces.
  2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Optional: add 1 teaspoon cornstarch for extra softness.

Uniform size helps even cooking.

Preparing the Vegetables

  • Cut broccoli into small florets.
  • Slice carrots thinly for quick cooking.
  • Keep pieces similar in size.

You want vegetables slightly crisp, not overcooked.

Mixing the Sauce

In a small bowl combine:

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Honey
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Mix until smooth. This sauce will thicken during cooking.

Cooking the Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Pan

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

Remove and set aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

In the same pan:

  1. Add a little more oil if needed.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, stir quickly.
  3. Add broccoli, carrots, and peppers.
  4. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes.

Vegetables should stay bright and slightly crunchy.

Combining Everything

  1. Return chicken to the pan.
  2. Pour in sauce mixture.
  3. Stir well until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Cook for 1–2 minutes more and remove from heat.

Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry Texture

Follow these simple tips:

  • Use high heat
  • Cook quickly
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan
  • Prep ingredients before starting
  • Keep vegetables slightly crisp

Fast cooking keeps flavor fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry tastes amazing with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Fried rice
  • Noodles
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa

You can also enjoy it alone for a lighter meal.

Flavor Variations

Try these easy changes:

Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or chili sauce.

Garlic Lover Style

Double the garlic for bold flavor.

Sweet and Savory

Add extra honey for sweeter sauce.

Extra Vegetables

Add mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini.

Healthy Benefits

This dish is packed with nutrients:

  • Lean protein from chicken
  • Fiber from vegetables
  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Lower oil than fried foods

It’s a balanced meal that feels filling without being heavy.

Storage and Meal Prep

Great for leftovers:

  • Store in airtight container
  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Reheat quickly in a pan or microwave

Perfect for weekly meal prep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these problems:

  • Overcooking broccoli → soft texture
  • Too much sauce → watery stir-fry
  • Low heat → vegetables steam instead of fry
  • Cooking everything at once → uneven results

Quick cooking is the secret.

Why Homemade Stir-Fry Is Better

Homemade stir-fry gives you:

  • Fresh ingredients
  • Less oil and sodium
  • Custom flavors
  • Better texture
  • Faster than takeout

You control the ingredients and quality.

Final Thoughts

This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a simple, delicious, and healthy recipe that’s perfect for busy days. The tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful sauce come together quickly for a meal everyone will enjoy.

Leave a Comment