Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli
If you’re craving a quick and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fried chicken and broccoli recipe is a must-try. This dish is inspired by Dorothy Huang, a talented Chinese cook from Houston, Texas, and it offers a beautiful balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. With its fresh ingredients and simple cooking method, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner, especially when paired with steamed rice. The best part? It takes just about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for anyone looking for a fast and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) | 1/2 lb (or ~225 g) |
| Fresh broccoli | 1 bunch |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry sherry | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch (for thickening) | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce (for thickening) | 1 tablespoon |
| Water (for thickening) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves |
| Green onions (sliced) | 3 stalks |
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 905.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 49.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 72.6 mg |
| Sodium | 2039.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 81.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.5 g |
| Sugars | 14.9 g |
| Protein | 49.8 g |
Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breast thinly, cutting it across the grain into pieces about 1/8 inch thick. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
- Marinate Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chicken slices with the soy sauce, dry sherry, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix everything together well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Broccoli: While the chicken marinates, wash and drain the broccoli. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces, making sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
- Thickening Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of water. Set this aside—this will be used to thicken the stir-fry sauce later.
Step 2: Cooking the Broccoli
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli and season with a pinch of salt. Stir-fry the broccoli for about 4 minutes until it becomes bright green and tender-crisp. If the pan starts to dry out, add a teaspoon of water to help steam the broccoli.
- Once the broccoli is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
- Wipe the wok or frying pan clean with a paper towel to remove any leftover broccoli bits.
- Pour 3 tablespoons of oil into the pan and heat it over high heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken, garlic, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and turns firm and white.
Step 4: Combining the Ingredients
- Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the chicken. Pour the prepared thickening sauce over the mixture.
- Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly. This should take just a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Serving
- Serve the stir-fry immediately with a generous serving of freshly cooked rice. The fluffy rice helps balance out the savory, flavorful chicken and broccoli stir-fry, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavorful chicken, feel free to marinate it for an hour or more if time allows. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more it absorbs the flavors of the soy sauce and dry sherry.
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or another protein of your choice.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas, for more color and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: If you’re looking to make a more complete meal, consider serving this stir-fry with a side of steamed dumplings or a light salad to round out the flavors.
This Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli dish is a great example of how a few fresh ingredients can come together to create a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the authentic flavors of Chinese stir-fry in the comfort of their own kitchen. The recipe’s low cholesterol and high protein content also make it a healthier choice for those watching their diet. Enjoy!
