Chicken and Broccoli: A Simple Yet Delicious Recipe
This recipe delivers a flavorful and healthy chicken and broccoli dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time, yet it's packed with nutrients and satisfying flavors. This guide will walk you through each step, providing tips and variations to make this recipe your own. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Cut the chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized, even pieces for even cooking.
- Prep the broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli head into florets. Try to keep the florets relatively uniform in size for consistent cooking time.
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Stir-fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they begin to soften slightly but still retain some crispness.
- Create the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli and stir to coat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Serving and Garnishing:
- Serve hot: Serve the chicken and broccoli immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of chicken or broccoli, cook it in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, honey, or garlic to your preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Lemon Chicken and Broccoli: Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
This simple chicken and broccoli recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #ChickenBroccoliRecipe!
