Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner? Look no further than this velvety smooth Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry! This easy Chinese-inspired recipe delivers a burst of fresh flavors and satisfying textures in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – this recipe is designed for even the busiest home cooks, using readily available ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and rich sauce combine to make a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Imagine succulent chicken coated in a luscious, slightly sweet and savory sauce, perfectly complementing the crisp-tender broccoli. This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring! Ready to create this deliciousness in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Broccoli crowns: 2-3 (about 2 lbs)
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless): 2
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Cooking oil (peanut oil recommended): 2-3 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1-2 tablespoons
- Shaoxing cooking wine: 1-2 tablespoons
- Ginger: 2 tablespoons (sliced)
- Onion: 1/2 cup (sliced, optional)
- Chicken broth or water: 1/2 cup
- Black bean sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1/3 cup water)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Wash the crowns and cut them into florets. If using the stock, cut off the outer layer and slice it.
- Cut the chicken into slices. If using bone-in thighs, remove the meat from the bones and discard or save for soup.
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, light soy sauce, cooking oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and the chicken. Marinate for at least an hour (or overnight for best results).
- Peel and slice the ginger into relatively large pieces to prevent disintegration during stir-frying.
- Boil broccoli for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2. Stir-fry Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat cooking oil in a wok over high heat. Add sliced ginger and stir-fry briefly. Remove ginger and set aside.
- Add marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until almost cooked (90% cooked). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onions (optional) to the wok and stir-fry briefly.
- Add blanched broccoli to the wok and stir-fry.
- Add chicken broth (or water), black bean sauce, and stir-fry.
- Add the pre-cooked chicken back to the wok.
Step 3. Thicken and Serve
- Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- The velveting technique makes the chicken incredibly tender. It's recommended for both dark and white meat.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black bean sauce to your taste preferences.
- Don't overcrowd the wok. Work in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking. Other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms would also complement this dish well.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the stir-fry to prevent it from becoming watery.
2. What can I substitute for chicken?
Tofu, shrimp, or beef would all work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
A cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) added at the end of cooking will thicken the sauce nicely.
This Velvety Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a true weeknight winner, offering a delicious and healthy meal without the fuss. Enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables to personalize your dish. Happy cooking!