Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken slices with a pinch of salt and pepper.

   • In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.

   • Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.

   • Add the garlic and ginger, stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper (if using), and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, cook a little longer.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • While the vegetables cook, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch (if using). Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

4. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:

   • Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables.

   • Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first before cooking for an even cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook frozen chicken directly, but it will take a little longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I substitute the soy sauce for something else?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. For a low-sodium version, opt for a reduced-sodium soy sauce.

Q3: How do I keep the broccoli from being overcooked?
To keep your broccoli crisp and vibrant, avoid overcooking. Stir-fry it for just 4-5 minutes or until it turns bright green and is still crunchy. If you want it a little more tender, you can blanch it in hot water for a couple of minutes before adding it to the stir-fry.

Q4: What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or want a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mushroom-based sauce. You can also simply increase the soy sauce for a simpler flavor.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Q6: What can I serve this stir-fry with?
You can serve this with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Q7: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can make this ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just be aware that the broccoli might soften a bit.

Q8: How can I make this spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a sliced fresh chili to the stir-fry. You can also add chili paste to the sauce for extra kick.