Introduction to Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
A Flavorful and Healthy Stir-Fry Recipe
Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a healthy, quick, and easy meal that satisfies your cravings for both taste and nutrition. This dish features juicy chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and optional sesame oil for added depth.
Packed with protein and fiber, Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy days when you want a nutritious meal on the table fast.
To ensure your stir-fry turns out perfect every time, it’s important to balance the sauce, use fresh ingredients, and choose high-quality soy sauce. If you prefer to make it even healthier, you can adjust the amount of honey or skip the sesame oil. If you’re new to stir-fries, check out this guide on how to make stir-fry like a pro.
How to Make Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
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Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth (or water) until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and black pepper, then sauté until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Add a splash of water if needed to help steam the broccoli.
- Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet and add minced garlic (and grated ginger, if using). Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli (2–3 minutes).
- Drizzle with sesame oil, if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots for variety.
- Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
For more tips on perfecting your stir-fry skills, explore this expert stir-fry guide.
Steps
Step 1
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), and optional grated ginger until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3
Add Garlic & Broccoli: Add minced garlic to the pan with the chicken and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 4
Combine the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 5
Optional Garnishes: If using, drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Advanced Techniques for Perfect Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Mastering the art of stir-frying involves more than just tossing ingredients into a pan. By applying a few advanced techniques, you can take your Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry from good to exceptional. Here are some tips to refine and elevate your dish:
Pro Tips for an Exceptional Stir-Fry
To achieve restaurant-quality Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry, consider these advanced techniques:
High Heat Cooking:
Stir-fries cook best at high heat. This ensures that the chicken sears quickly, retaining moisture and flavor. Use a wok or a large, flat pan for optimal heat distribution.
Prep in Advance:
Chop your vegetables and prepare your sauce ahead of time. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
Adjust the Sauce Thickness:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or cook the sauce a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or water.
Use Fresh Broccoli:
Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor in stir-fries. Avoid frozen broccoli, as it tends to become soggy during cooking.
Customize the Flavor:
Feel free to tweak the flavor by adding chili flakes, fresh herbs, or even a splash of lime juice for extra zing.
By mastering these tips, you’ll ensure your Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry turns out delicious and visually appealing every time.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Keep Your Stir-Fry Fresh for Days
Storage Tips:
Store leftover Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The broccoli may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will remain intact.
Reheating:
When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat to warm it through. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce.
Freezing:
Although not ideal for long-term storage, you can freeze this stir-fry. Freeze the chicken and sauce (separate from the vegetables) for up to 1 month. When reheating, be sure to add fresh broccoli for the best texture.
Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Making It Fit Your Diet
Gluten-Free Version:
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Low-Carb:
For a low-carb option, skip the honey or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Paleo:
To make this stir-fry paleo-friendly, replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos and use raw honey. Skip the cornstarch and thicken the sauce with arrowroot powder.
Vegetarian or Vegan:
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegan option.
These simple modifications ensure that Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry can fit into various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
FAQs About Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Expert Answers to Your Common Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, sauce, and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the stir-fry just before serving to preserve freshness.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
You can use any vegetable you like, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or asparagus.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Stir-fries are versatile. Add carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety and nutrition.
Is this stir-fry spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add chili flakes or sriracha to adjust the heat to your preference.
Why Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is the Perfect Meal
A Delicious and Healthy Choice
Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a well-rounded meal that offers a perfect blend of protein, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and satisfying for all taste preferences. The natural sweetness of honey balances the saltiness of soy sauce, creating a delectable and wholesome dish.
Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this stir-fry is a go-to recipe. It’s the kind of meal that not only nourishes but also pleases the whole family. Try it tonight and experience the flavor and convenience for yourself!