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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - Sesame oil - Honey - Cornstarch - Chicken or vegetable broth - Sesame seeds - Sliced green onions The main ingredients in this dish start with chicken. I often use two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Next, I add two cups of broccoli florets. Broccoli brings crunch and color. One red bell pepper provides sweetness and bright flavor. I also slice one carrot into thin strips, known as julienning. It adds a nice crunch. For seasoning, I use soy sauce, or tamari if you need a gluten-free option. It gives the stir fry a savory kick. I also add sesame oil for its unique flavor. A tablespoon of honey balances the saltiness. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it sticky and delicious. I use either chicken or vegetable broth to add depth. To finish, I sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. These garnishes add a nice touch. They also bring extra flavor and visual appeal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them thin. In a large bowl, add the chicken slices, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and one tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well. Make sure each piece is coated. Set the bowl aside for 15 minutes. This step helps the chicken stay tender and flavorful. Now, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry it for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want it to cook all the way through and turn golden brown. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic and one tablespoon of minced ginger. Sauté these together for about 30 seconds. You want the kitchen to smell great! After that, add two cups of broccoli florets, one sliced red bell pepper, and one julienned carrot. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes. The veggies should be tender but still crisp. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. In a small bowl, mix the remaining two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Pour this sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to combine everything. Cook it for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the dish is heated through. The sauce should thicken and coat everything nicely. To keep your veggies tender-crisp, don’t overcook them. Stir-fry the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot for just 3-4 minutes. This quick cooking helps them stay bright and crunchy. For cooking chicken evenly, slice it thinly. Thin slices cook faster and more evenly. When frying, make sure the pan is hot. This keeps the chicken from steaming. To add depth to your stir-fry, try adding spices like red pepper flakes or black pepper. A splash of rice vinegar can also brighten the dish. You can mix in sesame seeds for a nice crunch. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. They add a lovely aroma and fresh taste. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the chicken and veggies the night before. This makes cooking quick and easy. If you’re in a rush, use pre-cut veggies. Many stores sell them ready to go. This can save you valuable time in the kitchen. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This short time helps to tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor from the soy sauce and cornstarch. Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that delicious sear on the chicken and vegetables. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding ingredients. Veggie Crunch: To keep the vegetables crisp, stir-fry them until they are just tender but still vibrant in color. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Thickening Sauce: To achieve a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes after adding the broth and honey. This will enhance the flavor and give it a nice glaze. {{image_2}} If you want to mix things up, you can swap out the broccoli and bell pepper for other veggies. Try mushrooms for a meaty bite or snow peas for a sweet crunch. Zucchini adds softness and is great for color. Each veggie brings its own flavor, making your stir fry unique. You can switch chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu. Each protein needs different cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, about 3 minutes. Beef needs about 5-7 minutes, and tofu takes 4-5 minutes if you use firm tofu. Adjust your cooking time to get everything just right. For a gluten-free stir fry, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. This sauce has a similar taste but is safe for those avoiding gluten. When thickening your sauce, use arrowroot or potato starch instead of cornstarch. These options work well and keep your dish tasty. To store leftover chicken and broccoli stir fry, follow these steps: - Refrigerating: Place your stir fry in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools before sealing. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stir fry. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Label your containers with the date for easy tracking. To enjoy your leftovers, you need to reheat them properly. - Microwave: Place your stir fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly without overcooking. - Stovetop: For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick pan. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until warm. This helps maintain the dish's texture and flavor. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. To do this, follow these tips: - Marinate the chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This adds great flavor. - Prep veggies: Cut the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot a few hours before cooking. Store them in the fridge. - Cook and store: After cooking, let the stir fry cool. Store it in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want some heat, here are a few easy ways to spice it up: - Add red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking for a nice kick. - Use chili sauce: Mix in a tablespoon of chili sauce with your sauce ingredients. - Fresh chilies: Slice fresh chilies and add them with the garlic and ginger. This stir fry pairs well with several sides. Here are some good options: - Steamed rice: White or brown rice makes a great base. - Noodles: Try serving it over rice noodles or egg noodles. - Quinoa: Quinoa is a healthy option that adds protein. - Salad: A simple side salad with a light dressing works too. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. You learned about the main ingredients, including chicken, broccoli, and vibrant veggies. We covered step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and flavor boosts. You saw how to customize the dish to suit your taste and dietary needs. As you try this recipe, remember that cooking is fun. Feel free to experiment with tastes and ingredients. Enjoy every bite of your vibrant, healthy stir fry!

Chick & Broc Blast Stir Fry

A delicious and healthy stir fry featuring chicken and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 piece red bell pepper
  • 1 piece carrot
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 pieces green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well until the chicken is coated and set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until it is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan. In a small bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  • Once everything is well coated and heated through, remove from heat.
  • Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, healthy, stir fry