Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

There's nothing quite like a quick and healthy stir fry to bring vibrant flavors to your dinner table. This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect balance of lean protein, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that ties it all together.

I first discovered this recipe while searching for an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into my family's meals. With a busy schedule, I needed something that was nutritious, delicious, and quick to make. This dish quickly became a staple in our home, appearing on the menu at least once a week.

Why You'll Love This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, this dish takes just 25 minutes, making it a lifesaver on hectic days.

Second, it’s nutrient-packed. With lean chicken breast and fresh broccoli, you're getting a meal full of protein, fiber, and vitamins without extra calories or unhealthy fats.

Not only is it budget-friendly, but it's also made with pantry staples. No need for fancy ingredients—just simple, wholesome foods that come together beautifully.

Lastly, it’s versatile. You can customize it with different proteins, vegetables, or sauces, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Chicken breast is the star of this dish. It’s lean, high in protein, and absorbs the stir-fry sauce beautifully. If you prefer a juicier option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Broccoli adds a vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch. Fresh broccoli florets work best, but frozen broccoli can also be used—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the stir fry.

The sauce is a simple yet powerful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it healthier, while garlic and ginger bring a punch of aromatic flavor. Honey balances the savoriness with just a hint of natural sweetness.

A touch of cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, allowing it to coat the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

You’ll need a large skillet or wok to get that perfect stir-fry texture. A wok allows for even heat distribution and quick cooking, which helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

How To Make This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Creating this flavorful dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to whip up a nutritious stir fry in no time.

Start by slicing your chicken into thin strips. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the sauce more effectively.

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.

While the broccoli cooks, mix your sauce ingredients in a small bowl—soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and cornstarch whisked with water. This will create a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat the ingredients perfectly.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and broccoli evenly.

Once everything is beautifully combined, remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this stir fry stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: Warm leftovers in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to help rehydrate the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this stir fry is its flexibility. Here are some ways to switch things up:

Switch up the protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try shrimp, tofu, or beef instead. They all work wonderfully with the same sauce and method.

Use different vegetables: While broccoli is a classic choice, you can swap it for bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a different twist.

Make it spicier: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced chili peppers to the sauce.

Go gluten-free: Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Lower the carbs: Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice for a lighter option.

No matter how you customize it, this Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy!

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