Are you ever staring at the fridge wondering what to make for dinner? I know the feeling. The day gets busy, and suddenly you need quick dinner ideas that do not involve a lot of fuss or a huge mess. That is where this simple chicken and broccoli stir fry comes to the rescue. It is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes for a reason.
This dish brings together tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that is just so satisfying. It feels like you are getting a restaurant quality meal but without the cost or the wait. It is a fantastic choice when you want something wholesome and flavorful on the table fast. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love about a meal that is both delicious and straightforward? This recipe is a standout when it comes to easy weeknight dinners. It comes together in about thirty minutes, which is a lifesaver on those packed evenings. You spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal with family.
It is also incredibly budget friendly. The ingredients are simple and accessible, making it one of the best cheap dinners for a family. You get a hearty, filling meal without stretching your grocery budget. Plus, it is a great way to use up broccoli you might have sitting in your vegetable drawer.
The flavors are just so well balanced. The sauce has that wonderful mix of savory, sweet, and a tiny bit of spice that coats every single piece of chicken and broccoli. It is a dish that even picky eaters tend to enjoy. You can feel good knowing you are serving up a meal packed with protein and veggies.
Finally, it is customizable. You can easily swap vegetables or adjust the heat to your liking. This flexibility makes it a regular part of any meal rotation. It is one of those dependable easy dinner recipes you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- ¾ cup thinly sliced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 4 clove garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
First things first, let’s get everything ready. Gather all your ingredients so they are within easy reach. In a medium bowl, toss your chicken pieces with one tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure every piece gets a light, even coating. This little step is what helps the chicken get that lovely crisp exterior.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken And Aromatics
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat and add the canola oil. Let it get nice and shimmery, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it cook, stirring it around often, until it is cooked through and golden brown. This should take about six minutes.
Now add the sliced onions to the skillet with the chicken. Cook them for about a minute, stirring, until they start to look translucent. Next, add the minced ginger and sliced garlic. Keep stirring constantly for about one more minute until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma. Transfer the entire chicken mixture to a plate and set it aside for a moment.
Step 3: Cook The Broccoli
Using the same skillet, add your broccoli florets. Cook them over medium high heat, giving them an occasional stir. You want them to turn a vibrant bright green and get heated through. This part is quick, only taking about two to three minutes. You are just waking up the broccoli, not cooking it until it is soft.
Step 4: Make The Sauce
While the broccoli is cooking, you can mix up the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Add the remaining two tablespoons of cornstarch and whisk until everything is smooth. This should take about thirty seconds. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 5: Combine And Thicken
Now it is time to bring it all together. Add the cooked chicken mixture back into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the soy sauce mixture over everything. Cook while stirring constantly. As the sauce heats up, it will begin to thicken and beautifully coat all the chicken and broccoli. This final step only takes about two minutes.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
And just like that, you are done! Serve your chicken and broccoli stir fry immediately while it is hot. It is a fantastic example of one of the most satisfying easy dinner recipes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the stir fry to cool down to room temperature completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days.
When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave in short bursts until warm. Or, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. This helps bring it back to its original consistency.
Tips
Want to add more vegetables? Go for it! This is one of those easy dinner recipes that is great for cleaning out the fridge. Sliced carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Just add them with the broccoli and adjust the cooking time as needed.
If you are not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as breast meat can dry out more easily. Cut them into similar sized pieces and follow the same steps.
For serving, this dish is amazing over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce. Cooked noodles, like ramen or lo mein, are also a wonderful choice. For a lower carb option, you could serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
You can also control the spice level very easily. If you like it spicy, add a few more red pepper flakes. If you are serving it to kids or prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount or leave them out completely. It tastes great either way.
Conclusion
Finding reliable easy dinner recipes can make such a difference in a busy week. This chicken and broccoli stir fry is more than just a meal. It is a simple, flavorful solution for those nights when you need something good on the table without a lot of effort. It proves that homemade meals can be both quick and satisfying.
I hope this becomes one of your go to easy weeknight dinners. It is a dish that brings comfort and flavor to your kitchen, reminding us that some of the best meals are the simplest ones. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you absolutely can. Chicken breast works well in this recipe. Just be sure to cut it into bite sized pieces and watch the cooking time carefully, as it tends to cook faster and can become dry if overcooked.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because traditional soy sauce and oyster sauce contain wheat. However, you can easily adapt it by using gluten free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and by finding a certified gluten free oyster sauce.
What Can I Serve With This?
This dish is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which helps soak up the savory sauce. You can also serve it over quinoa, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb alternative. This is one of those quick dinner ideas that works with many sides.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely do some prep work to save time. You can chop the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, and broccoli ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can also whisk the sauce ingredients together. This makes it one of the easiest cheap dinners for a family to assemble quickly.
Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
Some days, the thought of making a complicated dessert is just too much. You want something fast, something tasty, and something that doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes. This chocolate protein ice cream, made effortlessly in the Ninja Creami, is a wholesome and satisfying treat for those exact moments.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Ninja Creami pint, combine the protein shake, protein powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt. Add optional guar gum or pudding mix for extra creaminess.
- Mix with a frother or whisk until the base is completely smooth with no clumps.
- Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours until solid.
- Place the frozen pint into the machine and process using the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ setting.
- If the texture is crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or shake and use the ‘Re-Spin’ function.
- If desired, create a well in the center, add mix-ins, and use the ‘Mix-In’ function to combine. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
Nutrition
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