Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Origin and Region:
Stir-fry dishes originated in China and have become popular worldwide, including in many Asian countries and Western cultures. Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a classic Chinese-inspired dish that has gained popularity globally for its delicious flavors and ease of preparation.
Introduction:
Enjoy the bold flavors and vibrant colors of this quick and nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. This dish combines tender chicken breast strips with crisp broccoli florets in a savory stir-fry sauce, creating a wholesome meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Optional Toppings:
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Tips:
- Slice the chicken thinly and evenly to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Customize the stir fry with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and dissolved cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Description:
Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a classic Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast strips and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory stir-fry sauce. This dish is bursting with flavor, color, and nutrients, making it a favorite choice for a quick and satisfying meal. With its simple preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a wholesome stir-fry.
Nutritional Information:
(Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe, without optional toppings, based on standard recipe yield)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)