Five-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

$For the Five-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, you will need: - 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced 1. Chicken breast: This lean protein cooks quickly. You can swap it for turkey or tofu if desired. 2. Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds color and crunch. You can use snap peas or bell peppers for a twist. 3. Soy sauce (low sodium): This adds flavor without too much salt. You can try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. 4. Sesame oil: This oil gives a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use vegetable or olive oil. 5. Garlic: Fresh garlic adds zest. You can use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. Using low-sodium soy sauce is key for health. It helps control your salt intake while still adding rich flavor. A regular soy sauce can be too salty, masking the taste of other ingredients. The low-sodium version lets the chicken and broccoli shine. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take away! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need one pound of chicken breast and two cups of broccoli florets. 1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin slices. This helps it cook faster. 2. Wash the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets in cold water. Make sure they are clean. This step is crucial for a good stir fry. The even sizes help everything cook well. Use a large pan or wok for this recipe. It allows for better heat and space. 1. Heat the Oil: Pour one tablespoon of sesame oil into the pan. Turn the heat to medium-high. 2. Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often. The chicken should turn brown and be cooked through. 3. Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan. This keeps it juicy. 4. Sauté Garlic: Add another tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds. The garlic should smell great. 5. Add Broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still crisp. 6. Combine: Put the chicken back into the pan. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce. Mix everything well. 7. Final Stir-Fry: Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Make sure everything is hot and coated. Timing is key in stir fry. - Chicken: Make sure it cooks for 5-7 minutes. Check that it’s no longer pink inside. - Broccoli: Keep an eye on it. You want it tender but not mushy. - Mixing: Stir often to ensure even cooking. Following these tips will help you get a great dish every time. After you cook the stir fry, you might have some leftovers. To store them, let the dish cool down first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then heat it on the stove or in the microwave. While this recipe is simple, you can always add more flavor. Try adding ginger for a warm kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You could also sprinkle in some black pepper or a bit of lemon juice for brightness. These small changes can make a big difference. Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. Many people rush through the cooking process. This can lead to overcooked chicken or soggy broccoli. Make sure to cook the chicken until it's browned, but not dry. Also, don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay crisp and bright green. Another mistake is skipping the garlic. It brings a lot of flavor to the dish, so don’t leave it out. Lastly, be careful not to drown your stir fry in soy sauce. Just enough will enhance the dish without making it too salty. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli will provide a better texture and flavor than frozen. Look for vibrant green florets. Control the Heat: Adjust the heat during cooking to avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrition. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken with other proteins. Try using shrimp, beef, or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Beef gives a hearty bite, while tofu offers a great plant-based option. Just remember to adjust cooking times for each protein. Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas work well. These add color and crunch to your dish. Slice them thinly for quick cooking. You can even toss in some spinach for extra greens. This makes your stir fry even healthier. Mix up the flavors with different sauces. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet taste. Hoisin sauce can add a nice depth. If you like spice, a dash of chili sauce or sriracha can heat things up. For a fresh twist, add lime juice or ginger. Experiment to find your favorite combo! To keep your chicken broccoli stir fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your stir fry soggy. Refrigerate it right away. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you plan to eat it later, keep the rice or quinoa separate. This keeps everything from getting too mushy. If you want to save your stir fry for longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label your container with the date. Your stir fry will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and makes reheating easier. When it’s time to heat up your stir fry, I recommend using a pan or wok. This method helps keep the chicken and broccoli from getting too soft. Heat a small amount of sesame oil in the pan. Add the stir fry and cook over medium heat. Stir often for even heating. If it seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water. This helps revive the flavors and keeps everything juicy. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just cook the chicken and broccoli as directed. Let them cool before storing in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. You can serve this stir fry with several sides. I recommend steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also pair it with noodles for a fun twist. Adding a side salad can boost the meal’s freshness. If you want more crunch, serve it with crispy spring rolls. Making this stir fry vegetarian or vegan is easy. You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well. Use the same amount as chicken. For a different taste, try adding chickpeas. Just make sure to use a vegan soy sauce. This way, you keep the dish tasty and plant-based. This blog post shared a simple yet tasty recipe for chicken and broccoli stir fry. I covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I also discussed variations and storage methods to best enjoy your meal. Embrace these tips to create your own flavorful dish. Experiment with different proteins and veggies. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!$

Five-Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

A quick and easy stir fry featuring chicken and broccoli with a flavorful soy sauce and sesame oil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the soy sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until hot.

Notes

Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of color.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, easy recipe, quick meal, stir-fry