Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Quick and Healthy Meal

Introduction: If you're looking for a quick, healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is packed with flavor, then our Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe is perfect for you. This simple yet delicious dish combines the freshness of broccoli florets with succulent chicken, creating an impressive main course or a satisfying side dish.

This stir-fry requires minimal preparation time—just 20 minutes to chop vegetables and cook everything together. The total cooking time including marinating is around 35 minutes from start to finish. It serves four people as a main course with rice or noodles, but you can adjust the serving size depending on your preference.

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 small head of broccoli (about 2 cups chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water for thickening
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Combine soy sauce, cornstarch mixture with water, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add the chicken to this marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat your wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil and swirl around the pan. Then, add the marinated chicken pieces along with some of the garlic. Stir-fry quickly to brown the outside while keeping the inside tender. Cook for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, cut your broccoli into florets. When you see the chicken has turned golden-brown and cooked through (no pink in the center), remove it from heat.
4. Add Vegetables to Wok: Return your wok or pan to medium heat if necessary. Add more oil if needed, then toss in broccoli florets along with minced garlic. Stir-fry until tender but still crisp—about 3-4 minutes.
5. Mix and Serve: Once the vegetables are done, mix them gently with the chicken using tongs or a spatula to ensure everything is evenly coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure your wok heats up properly; it helps in achieving the best texture for both chicken and vegetables.
• Keep an eye on the chicken as you stir-fry to avoid overcooking. Overcooked chicken can lose its juiciness.
• The amount of salt added during the initial marinade will suffice for seasoning; additional amounts should be minimal since soy sauce already contains sodium.

Cooking Time: Total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, while actual cooking time depends on how quickly you can stir-fry. With proper timing and efficient kitchen movement, you could have this meal ready in less than half an hour!

Serving Suggestions:

1. This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice; the texture contrasts nicely against the crunchy broccoli.
2. For a heartier experience, serve it over thick wheat noodles tossed in sesame oil for extra flavor. Some sliced cucumber or carrots could be added too.
3. If you want to make a light meal out of this stir-fry, it can also be served as a salad by tossing everything with some dressing and tossing it together just before serving.

Chicken and broccoli stir-fry is not only delightful in taste but also nutritious. Packed full of proteins from the chicken and essential vitamins found in fresh broccoli, this dish makes a wholesome meal for those who are watching their waistlines yet craving something satisfying. It's perfect for busy weekdays or weekend lunches where simplicity reigns supreme.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry! Whether you're cooking it on a weekday evening or preparing for a casual gathering, this recipe promises to be a hit among family members and friends alike.

Closing Note: Don't let the simplicity fool you—this dish is packed with flavor. Get creative by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for variation, or try different sauces such as teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a change in taste!