20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes? Look no further than this 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry. This dish is not only a time-saver but also a wholesome option packed with protein and vibrant veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, it brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Get ready to whip up this delightful stir-fry and impress your family or friends with minimal effort!
Why This 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry Stands Out
This 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry stands out for many reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when time is not on your side. Secondly, the combination of chicken and broccoli not only provides a satisfying, hearty meal but also delivers a wealth of nutrients. The stir-fry method locks in flavor and texture, giving you a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredient Rundown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook quickly and are a great source of lean protein.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrition. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a hint of warmth and complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: A key ingredient that adds depth and savory umami flavor. Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil gives a nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce slightly; it’s optional but recommended for a nice glaze.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, adjust to your spice preference.
- Rice or Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before you start cooking, gather these essential tools to make your life easier:
- Wok or Large Skillet: A wide surface area helps cook everything evenly.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and vegetables effortlessly.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for food prep.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements of sauces and oils.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir and toss the ingredients as they cook.
Cooking 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry: The Process
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps to create your 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and cutting your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Next, slice the chicken breast into thin strips to ensure quick cooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until well combined. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Then, stir to cook through fully and no longer pink.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 6: Pour in the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve your 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Seasonal Twists
This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to include seasonal ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
- Add bell peppers in the summer for a sweet crunch.
- Incorporate carrots for a pop of color and sweetness during fall.
- Try using snap peas or green beans for a fresh springtime twist.
- Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste—add more soy sauce for saltiness or more ginger for a spicier kick.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes before cooking.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
This 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry is great for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm on a stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave; just cover it to avoid drying out.
20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pan to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can easily swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for shrimp, which cooks quickly!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, if desired.
How can I make this stir-fry spicier?
If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also drizzle some sriracha or chili sauce before serving.
Let’s Eat
Now that you have your 20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry all prepped and cooked, it’s time to dig in! This meal is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With the ability to customize it and make it your own, it will undoubtedly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. So, grab your chopsticks or fork and enjoy every last bite of this delicious stir-fry!
20 Minute Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients - Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Slice chicken breast into thin strips.
- Step 2: Make the Sauce - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat the Pan - Heat the wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil to coat the bottom.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken - Add the sliced chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned, then stir to cook through.
- Step 5: Add the Broccoli - Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Pour in the Sauce - Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Serve - Remove from heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired, and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding chicken for a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust sauce ingredients to suit your taste—more soy sauce for saltiness or more ginger for a spicier kick.
- Consider marinating chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 15 minutes for added flavor.
