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Better Than Takeout Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

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A quick and easy chicken and broccoli stir fry that beats any takeout, with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or water
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick, against the grain. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Prep the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small florets. Peel the stems and slice into thin coins (about ¼-inch thick). If blanching, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
  4. Blanch the broccoli (optional but recommended): Drop broccoli florets and stem slices into boiling water for exactly 60 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry.
  5. Heat your pan: Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke.
  6. Cook the chicken in batches: Add half the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes more until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken and another tablespoon of oil.
  7. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add the broccoli: Toss in blanched broccoli. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through and slightly charred.
  9. Return the chicken: Add cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour sauce over everything. Stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  10. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best sear. Use high heat and cook in batches to avoid steaming. Blanch broccoli for perfect texture. Mix sauce beforehand to prevent lumps.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken stir fry, broccoli stir fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, better than takeout, easy stir fry

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/better-than-takeout-quick-chicken-broccoli-stir-fry/