Let’s talk about a weeknight dinner that’s about to become your new best friend: Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry. It’s one of those dishes that’s both simple and satisfying, with a big punch of flavor. Think tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a garlicky, savory sauce that’s just… irresistible. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this over and over again. You’ll feel like a pro chef with minimal effort, and the best part? It’s all ready in under 30 minutes!
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Why You’ll Love Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Here’s the magic of this stir-fry—just a few basic ingredients come together to create something truly mouthwatering. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the base of this dish. Tender and juicy, they soak up all the flavor from the sauce and cook up beautifully in no time.
Broccoli: Fresh, crisp broccoli adds a perfect crunch to balance out the tenderness of the chicken. Plus, it’s a healthy addition that makes this stir-fry feel good on so many levels.
Garlic: The star ingredient! It fills the dish with that irresistible aroma and rich, savory taste. Trust me, it’s the key to this recipe’s magic.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce brings a savory depth that ties the whole dish together. It gives the stir-fry that signature umami flavor we all crave.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil brings a nutty richness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. It’s what makes the stir-fry feel extra special.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the broccoli into florets. Getting everything prepped and ready to go makes the stir-fry process a breeze.
Heat Your Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a bit of sesame oil. Once it’s hot and shimmering, you’re ready to add your chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be nice and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Add Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell that garlic goodness filling the air.
Stir-Fry the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli into the pan and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, just until it’s bright green and slightly tender. The broccoli should still have a little crunch to it, so don’t overcook it!
Sauce It Up: Add the soy sauce to the pan and give everything a good toss. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve the stir-fry immediately over rice, noodles, or on its own. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for that extra touch!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the stir-fry’s savory flavors.
Rice: Serve with jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce. You could even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option!
Noodles: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve this stir-fry over cooked noodles for a full meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
As a Standalone: This stir-fry is also hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Garnish with sesame seeds or a few sprigs of cilantro for a little extra freshness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste to the stir-fry.
Dietary Adjustments: You can swap the soy sauce for tamari to make this dish gluten-free or use coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the chicken with tofu?
A1: Absolutely! Tofu works great in this stir-fry. Just be sure to press it to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: This stir-fry is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just be sure to use a large enough pan to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q7: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A7: Fresh broccoli is best for this dish, but you can use frozen broccoli if that’s all you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
Q8: Can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili paste to the stir-fry to bring the heat.
Q9: Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?
A9: Absolutely! You can swap out the broccoli for bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for a colorful veggie stir-fry.
Q10: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A10: If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new go-to dish for busy nights when you want something quick, easy, and full of flavor. Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). It’s a simple recipe that delivers big taste and will leave everyone at the table asking for more. Try it tonight, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This mouthwatering Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- For the Stir-Fry
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Steam the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add broccoli with a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
-
Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir well.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve warm over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for added color and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some red chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65g