Quick & Zesty Chicken With Broccoli Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Whipping up a delightful chicken with broccoli dish can transform your weeknight dinner routine in minutes.

Comfort meets nutrition when these two ingredients dance together on your plate.

Crisp green florets nestle perfectly alongside tender, juicy chicken pieces.

Packed with protein and vibrant colors, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making cooking feel like a breeze.

Minimal prep work means you’ll have a delicious dinner ready before hunger strikes.

Let’s jump into this foolproof culinary adventure that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Why Chicken with Broccoli Is Always A Classic

• Master Quick Cooking: Achieve a restaurant-quality stir-fry that combines protein and vegetables in one delicious pan without complicated techniques.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Blend multiple ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatics to create a rich, layered taste profile that transforms simple ingredients into an exciting meal.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your plate with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-dense broccoli, delivering a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Customize the dish by swapping proteins or vegetables, making it perfect for adapting to dietary preferences or using what's available in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need For Chicken with Broccoli

• Chicken Breast, Chicken Thighs: Lean and tender cuts that provide a delicious and protein-rich base for the stir-fry.

• Garlic, Ginger: Powerful flavor enhancers that add depth and complexity to the dish.

• Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable that adds nutrition, color, and texture to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chicken Broth: Liquid components that create a rich, savory flavor profile for the dish.

• Sugar, Black Pepper, Cornstarch: Ingredients that balance flavors, add mild heat, and create a glossy sauce texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Toppings that provide additional flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Whip Up Chicken with Broccoli

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken breast and thighs into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking and appealing presentation.

Step 2: Chop Aromatics

Finely mince garlic and ginger to unlock their incredible flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

Step 3: Break Down Broccoli

Separate broccoli into small, consistent florets, removing tough stems for the best possible texture.

Step 4: Create Flavor Bomb Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• Black pepper
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch

Whisk until perfectly blended.

Step 5: Marinate Chicken

Soak chicken pieces in half of the prepared sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 6: Heat Up the Cooking Surface

Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and just about to shimmer.

Step 7: Awaken the Aromatics

Sizzle minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, releasing their intense fragrance without scorching.

Step 8: Brown the Chicken

Spread chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 9: Sauté Chicken

Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and is almost completely cooked.

Step 10: Add Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets into the pan, keeping them moving to preserve their bright green color and crisp texture.

Step 11: Sauce It Up

Pour remaining sauce over chicken and broccoli, stirring continuously to ensure every piece gets coated.

Step 12: Final Cooking

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, making sure chicken is fully cooked and broccoli remains tender-crisp.

Step 13: Rest and Thicken

Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to mingle.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steamed rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips For Perfect Chicken with Broccoli

• Master Even Cooking: Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes for consistent texture and professional-looking results.
• Boost Flavor Extraction: Mince garlic and ginger super fine to maximize their aromatic potential and distribute intense taste throughout the dish.
• Maximize Broccoli Quality: Select fresh, vibrant green florets and cut them small and evenly to ensure quick, perfect cooking and appealing presentation.
• Perfect Marinade Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create balanced flavor profile, allowing chicken to absorb complex taste layers during marination.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat and watch for oil shimmer to prevent burning while achieving beautiful golden-brown caramelization on chicken pieces.

Ways To Switch Up Chicken with Broccoli

• Vegetarian Chicken Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu, extra-firm tempeh, or seitan cubes, marinating and cooking similarly for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains similar texture and cooking technique.
• Spicy Szechuan Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili oil, or Szechuan peppercorns to elevate heat and introduce a bold, numbing flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for celiac-friendly preparation.

Sides That Match Chicken with Broccoli

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the dish's richness and refresh the palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Rice Texture Enhancer: Choose fluffy jasmine or fragrant basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a soft, elegant base for the stir-fry.
• Asian-Inspired Side Salad: Craft a quick cucumber and pickled radish salad with rice vinegar dressing to add a tangy, cool contrast to the warm, savory main dish.

Storage Tips For Chicken with Broccoli

• Seal cooled chicken and broccoli in a tight-lidded glass or plastic container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevent bacterial growth by cooling dish completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining quality and taste. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

Your Questions About Chicken with Broccoli

• Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb flavors, tenderize the meat, and create a more delicious and juicy result. The sauce’s ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil infuse the chicken with rich, complex tastes.

• Can I use different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness and maintain similar preparation techniques.

• What's the importance of high heat when stir-frying?

High heat ensures quick cooking, helps achieve beautiful caramelization, and prevents meat from becoming soggy. It also helps maintain the broccoli’s vibrant green color and crisp texture.

Chicken With Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken with broccoli emerges as a classic comfort dish that blends tender protein with crisp green vegetables. Hearty flavors mingle perfectly, creating a quick, nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and delights your palate with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast
• 0.5 lbs chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 2 heads broccoli
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 piece ginger

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Trim chicken breast and thighs into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
2. Peel and finely mince garlic and ginger to release their aromatic flavors and enhance the dish’s depth.
3. Cut broccoli into small, evenly sized florets, discarding the tough stems for optimal texture and tenderness.
4. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a separate bowl to create a harmonious marinade.
5. Marinate chicken pieces in half of the prepared sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb rich, complex flavors.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just before smoking point.
7. Quickly stir-fry minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, releasing their intense aromatics without burning.
8. Add chicken pieces to the hot pan, spreading them in a single layer to ensure proper browning and caramelization.
9. Sauté chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
10. Introduce broccoli florets to the pan, tossing quickly to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
11. Pour remaining sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring continuously to coat evenly and create a glossy finish.
12. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring chicken is completely cooked and broccoli is tender-crisp.
13. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
14. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnishing with optional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

• Perfectly trim chicken into consistent, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Mince garlic and ginger ultra-fine to maximize their aromatic potential and prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
• Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with vibrant green color for maximum nutritional value and appealing texture.
• Marinate chicken longer (up to 30 minutes) for deeper flavor penetration if time allows.
• Use high smoke-point oil like avocado or peanut oil for crispier, more caramelized results.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and using cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot powder.
• Enhance protein intake by adding extra chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Quickly blanch broccoli beforehand to maintain bright green color and reduce overall cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg