Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe: A Simple Weeknight Meal
This easy chicken and broccoli recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It's packed with protein and vegetables, and it's ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 head broccoli: Cut into florets. Smaller florets cook faster.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor. Low sodium soy sauce is a healthier option.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing the chicken and broccoli.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced for added flavor. You can use more if you love garlic!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Prep your ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will make the process much smoother. This is a key step to ensure efficiency in the kitchen.
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli:
- Stir-fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Add the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step infuses the chicken with delicious flavors.
- Add the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Don't overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy. Aim for a vibrant green color.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, and honey (or brown sugar). This creates a smooth, easy-to-pour sauce.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a more filling meal. Consider adding sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
This easy chicken and broccoli recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media and tag us! Happy cooking!
