Chicken and Broccoli is a simple, wholesome dish that comes together in no time. Tender, juicy chicken is paired with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a savory, light sauce that brings the flavors together beautifully. Serve it with a side of rice or quinoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
- Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen works. Fresh tends to give a better texture, but frozen is great for convenience.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and veggies.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Soy sauce or tamari – A salty, umami-packed base for the sauce.
- Chicken broth – To help cook the chicken and provide a flavorful sauce base.
- Sesame oil – For an extra layer of flavor and a slight nuttiness.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder – To thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture.
- Lemon juice – Adds a bright, refreshing note to balance the savory elements.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli:
- Cook the chicken properly – Avoid overcooking the chicken by keeping an eye on it. Sauté it just until it’s cooked through, and let it rest before slicing.
- Blanch the broccoli – If you want perfectly tender yet crisp broccoli, blanch it briefly in boiling water before adding it to the pan. This helps preserve its vibrant color and crunch.
- Season the sauce – Don’t skip the seasoning! The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a delicious umami-rich base. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or extra garlic for flavor depth.
- Make it extra saucy – If you prefer a more saucy dish, double the sauce ingredients and serve it over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice for a fuller meal.
Variations to Try:
- Add other vegetables – Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to add variety and extra nutrition.
- Spicy Chicken and Broccoli – For those who like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. It’ll add a bold kick without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry – Take the recipe up a notch by adding sliced mushrooms, water chestnuts, or baby corn for more texture.
- Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo – Swap the soy sauce for cream and Parmesan to make a creamy, indulgent dish that still features the goodness of broccoli and chicken.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli:
- Over rice or quinoa – Serve your chicken and broccoli over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- With cauliflower rice – For a low-carb version, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- As a salad – Toss the chicken and broccoli mixture in a light vinaigrette for a fresh, warm salad.
- In wraps or lettuce cups – For a gluten-free option, wrap the chicken and broccoli in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal.
How to Store Chicken and Broccoli:
If you have leftovers, this dish can be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Freezing: You can freeze chicken and broccoli for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Recipe FAQs:
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and is tender.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broccoli ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. The flavors even get better after a day!
- Is this dish keto-friendly? Absolutely! Chicken and broccoli are both low in carbs and high in protein, making this recipe perfect for anyone following a keto diet.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! This recipe doesn’t require any dairy. Just make sure to check your soy sauce and chicken broth for hidden dairy ingredients if you’re avoiding dairy completely.
- Can I add more vegetables? Of course! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you love. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender before adding the sauce.
Chicken And Broccoli
Chicken and Broccoli is a simple, wholesome dish that comes together in no time. Tender, juicy chicken is paired with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a savory, light sauce that brings the flavors together beautifully. Serve it with a side of rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ¾” pieces
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil (I use extra light olive oil), divided
- 1 lb broccoli florets (about 5 cups)
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- ½ lb white button mushrooms, sliced
For the sauce:
- ⅔ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp garlic (2 small cloves), grated
- ¼ tsp black pepper (plus more for the chicken)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear for 1 minute, then stir-fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, covering it loosely to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil. Toss in the broccoli, onions, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the mushrooms soften.
- Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the veggies. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a little water.
- Return the chicken to the pan and stir everything together for 30 more seconds, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if needed. Serve over hot rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 384Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 96mgSodium 529mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 5gSugar 9gProtein 41g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts:
Chicken and broccoli is a classic, go-to recipe that is as nutritious as it is delicious. With its simple ingredients, rich flavors, and endless possibilities for customization, this dish can easily become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re sticking to a low-carb, high-protein diet or simply craving a flavorful dinner, this chicken and broccoli recipe ticks all the boxes. Enjoy the balance of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauce as you treat yourself to a meal that’s not only good for your body but also a delight to your taste buds.
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