Best Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

There is something about stir-fried recipes that fascinates and tickles the curiosity of us eaters. No matter how simple these dishes might be, stir-fried recipes never fail to amaze us. Maybe it's because of how quick they can be cooked and served, or perhaps how versatile recipes can be. 

And in this day and age of health consciousness and awareness, the two main ingredients of our featured recipes for this article stands to be the go-to choice of people. Mainly because of how nutrient-packed they are and how affordable they are compared to most meats and vegetables.  

Stir-frying is still the preferred choice of people who are always on the go because of how quick cooking the foods can be. One can use any kind of meat and vegetables, and voila, you have yourself a stir-fried dish. 

Others might be caught off-guard, and they may even say that stir-fry recipes are not that healthy because of the word fry. But set your worries aside because we assure you that this recipe is as healthy as it can get because of the ingredients. 

So, let's not prolong this chit-chat, and allow us to share with you the things that you need to learn for you to cook the best Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry at home so that you can impress your loved ones with this classic Chinese-American fusion inspired goodness. 

---

What is Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

Films and television series, and even anime make our eyes gleam with joy every time we watch a scene that involves cooking, especially stir-frying. The way the ingredients fly in mid-air after the chef skillfully tosses the wok or pan and catches the ingredients is like magic to us, no matter how young or old we might be. 

Stir-frying, as most of us are familiar with, is a Chinese cooking method. It involves high heat, a small amount of oil, and continuously tossing and stirring the ingredients in a wok. 

It allows for the ingredients to cook adequately, and it also prevents them from overcooking because of the tossing movement. 

Compared to other cooking techniques, stir-frying is healthier because it does not involve a considerable amount of fat. And because of the usage of high heat in cooking, the ingredients retain much of their color and nutritional value. And the texture of the food does not change much because of the even distribution of heat. 

And for that reason, the Best Chicken and Broccoli stir fry is a perfect choice, especially for people trying to live a healthier lifestyle. These two main ingredients are packing with nutrients that are good for healthier food options. 

Chicken meat contains a lesser amount of fat compared to beef and pork and relatively cheaper. Chicken also contributes to building up your muscles and strengthening your bones. Chicken also promotes heart health. 

And since the dawn of healthier food options, there are also choices for free-range chickens, chickens that are not grown in cages, so chickens are free to roam and feed on their natural food sources. Thus, chicken is considered organic and healthier. 

On the other hand, Broccoli is a great source of fiber and protein, nutrients needed for weight loss, and heart health. And if we are to classify Broccoli, we can line it up in the long list of superfoods.

These two, when combined, are a healthy and oh so savory treat. Chicken and Broccoli popularity is undeniable, making its way not just in restaurants but also as a to-go food option. Just pair it with steamed white rice, and you have yourself a filling meal. 

---

Ways to Cook Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry is famous for being cooked using a wok, big, black, and round pan with a long wooden handle. And more often than not, the cooking food method in it is shown in a very cinematic way, with the ingredients tossing in mid-air, with matching fire. 

However, there are a few other ways that you can cook these healthy chicken recipes, using kitchen equipment that you have at home. And if you have the means of using the more advanced kitchen equipment, then feel free to do so. 

 So to give you an idea, we have a list of other ways that you can cook these recipes at home to impress your loved ones and treat them to a healthy and very savory meal. 

Skillet

Skillet is a cousin of the frying pan, in the sense that their functions are pretty much the same. The difference is that the skillet is deeper and has slanted sides making it more effective for frying since you can move the food around easier than the usual frying pan, which has a flat bottom. 

The skillet can either be cast iron or the regular non-stick variety, but has the same function. But this pan's ability to distribute heat evenly makes it suitable for stir-frying, which requires high heat retention and distribution. 

So the process of cooking the chicken recipes is the same as usual. Just avoid the fancy flipping as much as you can to avoid spilling the contents. Make sure to follow the succession of ingredients to prevent overcooking them. 

You can also use a cast-iron skillet in the absence of a traditional skillet if you have one lying around. Just be mindful that a cast iron skillet does not have an anti-stick coating, so flip the mixture from time to time to prevent charring. 

Stovetop

A stove is a preferred method for cooking any stir-fried recipes as they can produce a steady amount of high heat and adjust instantly. And since most households rely on the stove cooking, this is just practical and economical. Though there are many innovations in stove cookers, most households still use the traditional LPG-fueled cooker. 

If you have a wok, then you can use that for optimum flavors and authenticity. But in the absence of it, you can use any deep-bottomed pan that you have at home. Just make sure that they can hold the number of ingredients that you have. 

Another version of the stove cooker is the induction type. It is a newer version wherein the heat transfer happens via induction: the heat travels through a conductive material like copper that heats the plate placed on the above of it. It, in turn, heats the induction-safe kitchenware. 

But to top this all off, a stove cooker is still the recommended method because of its functions. 

Instant Pot

The instant pot is the upgraded version of the classic pressure cooker. Its function at its roots is using pressure to tenderize and cook food quickly. However, the instant pot is way better because it has other functions because of the available settings. 

The instant pot is like a multi-cooker, meaning it can do the job of other cookwares but faster. So it saves you a lot of time, as it eliminates the process of transferring the food from one vessel to another. 

You can use the instant pot to saute the ingredients and then finish the cooking process using it by allowing the pressure to tenderize the food faster. That process allows the flavors to seep into the fibers of the ingredient, making them more flavorful.

And if you're wondering if you can stir-fry food in it, then you're in for a treat. Because the answer is yes, you can cook Broccoli and Chicken stir fry using your Instant pot. 

Saute the ingredients according to the recipes, and once you're sure that you have the flavors incorporated, you can select the button intended for poultry recipes. Then allow the instant pot to do its thing. 

---

Other Delicious Variants of Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

Due to its fame as a quick and filling go-to recipe, it's no surprise that many variants got their inspiration from our featured recipes. Movies depict actors running or eating in cars, holding a carton of Broccoli and Chicken above the rice. 

That is how famous and widespread these recipes are, and we don't want you missing out on the fun of enjoying this dish at home and some of its equally famous variants. You might even be able to come up with your version of it. 

For starters, we have a list of famous Chicken and Broccoli variants that you might want to try. 

With Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a staple condiment for Chinese cuisine. This concoction of pureed oyster provides the umami taste that makes stir fry recipes irresistible and will make you crave more. 

It also has that hint of sweetness, and it gives a shiny finish to sauce-based recipes. 

Oyster sauce is also loading with umami flavors: that factor in food makes them savory and flavorful. It is what makes Oriental cuisines truly unique because of the flavor that this condiment gives. 

And for our Broccoli and Chicken stir fry, oyster sauce is a vital ingredient. Chicken meat on its own is a bit bland, so it needs to be soaked in a sauce that is flavorful to make it flavorful as well. 

Just proceed with the cooking steps provided in the recipes, and you'll never go wrong. Use any brand of oyster sauce that you're used to—no need for fancy brands that you can't even pronounce properly. 

For that shiny finish, just before scooping the mixture out of the pan, pour about a tablespoon of oyster sauce for that thin layer of sheen. 

With Pasta/Noodles

Yes, you read it right, you can use Chicken and Broccoli stir fry as an ingredient for your favorite pasta or noodle dish. That's how versatile and flexible these recipes are. 

Pasta and noodles are bland on their own. That is the reason why they are the perfect canvass for our recipes. The stir-fry sauce is flavorful enough to soak the noodles so they can absorb the concentrated flavors. It is a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors.

This variant is like a complete meal on its own, as you have the carbohydrates, the protein, and the fibers all in one plate. It is filling yet very light and refreshing because of the Broccoli and the mild-tasting chicken. 

There are a lot of noodles and pasta varieties that you can use for this variant. But for better absorption of flavors, you can use flat varieties of pasta like fettuccine. The idea behind this is that the wider the pasta noodles, the heavier the sauce should be. In this case, the sauce is on the heavier side. 

For the noodles, there are a ton of choices to choose from. There are soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, which sops up sauce better. And there's vermicelli, which is lighter and made from rice flour. 

The process is the same as indicated in the recipes. Pre-cook the pasta or the noodles as per the packaging instructions and shock them on cold water to end the cooking process once they are al dente or tender to the bite. 

Then proceed to cook the stir-fry: make sure to double the sauce as the noodles will sop up all of it. 

Turmeric Chicken and Broccoli 

This variant is inspired by Indian cuisine, primarily because of turmeric, which is very evident in their cooking. Indian cooking is known for its use of many aromatics, contributing to the strong flavor of the recipes. 

Another notable fact about Indian cuisine is their vibrant color and their love for spicy foods. Something that you might love if you're into spicy recipes as well. And if you're just that, then you're in for a treat for this variant. 

Turmeric is another superfood alongside Broccoli because of its many medicinal properties. They are known as a rich source of antioxidants, which contributes to lowering the risk of arthritis. 

Just be mindful when using turmeric, as it can get overpowering. Many prefer to use the powder form, but you can use the natural turmeric for a more natural approach. 

To acquire the turmeric's fullest flavor, we suggest that you include it while you're sauteing the aromatics. That way, all the flavors will incorporate into the ingredients better, and also, the bright color of the turmeric will be very evident. 

Chinese Recipes

The Stir-fried Broccoli and Chicken has its roots in Chinese cuisine. And Chinese cuisine is known for its generosity in ingredients and condiments that make their recipes flavorful and savory. 

So for this variant, we are to go back to the recipes' Oriental roots. Do not be intimidated by the name because these recipes are relatively simple and easy to execute. 

Marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Then saute the marinated chicken until it changes color to a golden brown, and then adds in the rest.

To thicken the sauce, make a slurry of equal amounts of water and cornstarch, mix it into the stir-fry, and then let it simmer until the sauce is thick. 

Honey Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Aromatics like garlic not only make dishes smell better, but they also add flavors that up to their ante. And adding honey not only makes them sweet but deepens the layer of the flavor of whatever dish it is adding into. 

Proceed with the process of sauteing the ingredients. You can use a generous amount of garlic if you want; this gives a very aromatic and flavorful scent. Just make sure not to burn the garlic, as it will give off a bitter aftertaste. 

Honey, on the other hand, provides that hint of sweetness and shine to the dish. It also has a bit of tang. Add it in, just before the ingredients get fully cooked. 

Garlic, often taken for granted, actually has a lot of health benefits. One of the many benefits of this aromatic is that it helps lower down blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. 

Honey is rich in antioxidants and is generally "less" worse than sugar, making it suitable for people with diabetes, but in moderate amounts. 

Spicy Sriracha Chicken and Broccoli 

Sriracha is a famous variant of hot sauce made of chili paste, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and salt. Among the hot sauce list that is using in various dishes, this one almost always makes a list. 

Vietnamese dishes use sriracha a lot, and at times, they use it as a dipping sauce, as its heat goes well with their cuisine that is usually base on a lot of vegetables. The distinct spiciness and the hint of sweetness complement the taste of freshly picked greens. 

And since our recipes are generally mild tasting, sriracha can get really up our Stir-fry Broccoli and Chicken. The heat adds a layer of flavor to the hint of sweetness innate to our stir-fried recipes. 

The process is the same as indicated in the recipes, so follow the steps as-is. If you want that kick of heat, we suggest that you include the sriracha while sauteing the aromatics. This way, you can draw out the spice from the sauce. 

For milder spice, then just add the sriracha just before the Broccoli cooks thoroughly. There are also many varieties of sriracha out in the market that vary in their degree of spiciness, so just choose which suits you the most. 

With Coconut

Southeast Asian nations, especially the Philippines, are naturally dotted with many tropical trees, especially coconut. Coconut and its other by-products are widely using in many types of industries. 

And many Asian cuisines use coconut and coconut milk as an ingredient because of the texture and the creaminess that it adds to a dish. And as they say, you can never go wrong with coconut milk, and any dish that uses it is sure to win your heart. 

Extracting coconut milk from the grated coconut is simple though there are more advanced methods of doing it. But for a more rustic appeal, let us teach you how to do it. 

Use a cheesecloth as a strainer to separate the pulp from the liquid, which is the coconut milk. To do this, mix in the grated coconut with warm water: the ratio should be about 4 cups of grated coconut to 1 cup of warm water. 

The above ratio is to ensure that you are getting the good flavors from the coconut milk and not just a runny and watery liquid. The first press, called coconut cream, is perfect to use for thickening and flavor. The remaining press is the coconut milk, which is using as the broth. 

As for this variant, the process is the same. The Broccoli and Chicken stir fry with additional coconut milk is an entirely different dish but stays true to its roots. Proceed with the sauteing of the ingredients in order and make sure to cook them adequately. 

To avoid burning and curdling the coconut milk, lower the pan's heat, and slowly pour in the coconut milk. Turn off the heat as soon as the mixture simmers, and allow the dish's heat to cook the dish completely. 

Sweet and Sour Recipes

Sweet and sour recipes are always a hit: chicken, pork, or beef and even vegetables. Nothing beats the tang and the sweetness mixed to create a wonderful explosion of flavors. 

And since Broccoli and Chicken stir fry uses chicken, we can tweak it a little and make it into a classic American and Chinese inspired to-go dish that almost the world knows and loves. 

As intimidating as it may seem, this Chinese-American culinary treat is fairly simple and easy to cook. And the ingredients that you will need can be found in your kitchen or any grocery store near you. 

First, saute the aromatics until they are translucent and give off their scent, which indicates that their flavors are already out. Once this is ready, stir fry the chicken until you cook them adequately. The good part to use for this recipe is the breast and thigh part, as they have a greater concentration of chicken. 

You can blanch the vegetable first in boiling water, then quickly immerse it in cold water to end the cooking process. It is to make sure that the vegetable's color is locked in and the nutrients are still intact. 

It only takes a few minutes to cook the vegetables, so you can add them just before you serve the whole dish. After adding the vegetable, pour in the mixture of honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and your choice of hot sauce. 

To thicken the sauce, a slurry of water and cornstarch will do the trick without damaging the Chicken Broccoli stir-fry recipes' flavor. 

---

Trivia about Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

Knowing a few fun facts and trivia about the foods that we eat makes us want to enjoy them even more, right? Their origin and the benefits we get from them make us fall in love with them all over again. 

This recipe that we have, Broccoli and Chicken stir-fry, is a fusion of two different cultures: Chinese and American. And this dish is notorious for being a go-to dish, especially for people who do not have the time to cook a healthy and filling dish. 

Did you know that chicken is a food that is related to mood? No wonder many of us love to eat chicken dishes, especially when we are feeling down and out. Chicken also aids in weight loss, especially the lean parts of the chicken, because of how low the fat contents of the chicken are. 

If you're also on the quest for switching to a healthier lifestyle without forgoing chicken, then the chicken is right for you. Chicken is low in fat and cholesterol, making chicken suitable for better heart health.   

On the other hand, you can classify Broccoli as a superfood because of the concentration of nutrients and antioxidants that it has. It is also a good source of protein and fiber, which helps in weight loss as well. 

Medical experts also claim that it has bioactive properties linked to a healthy brain and nervous tissue. 

---

Tips for Cooking Chicken Broccoli Recipes

The perfect way to perfect and master a certain craft is practice: hours and hours of it. Mistakes will be there, but that is what makes a person better at what they do, learning from those mistakes. 

Another thing is proper guidance. To get the workaround of things, especially in cooking, we need knowledge from people who cook better than us. And then we adapt their techniques and apply them, improve and make them better. 

That is how you become a great cook: experience and never-ending learning. Let us share some cooking tips for making Broccoli and Chicken easy and even better for you. 

• When choosing which chicken part to use for this recipe, always pick the chicken breast and the chicken thigh part closer to the bones. These are the parts that have a good concentration of flavors. 
• For fuller chicken flavor, leave the skin on as they contain many oils that make chicken savory. 
• Cut the chicken pieces into half an inch thickness for it to cook faster. 
• If possible, use free-range chicken. It is to ensure a lump of better-attesting chicken meat as it does not feed on artificial food. 
• Blanching the Broccoli before stir-frying them keeps the color and the nutrients intact. 
• Use high temperature when cooking and mix the ingredients to ensure that they are cooking adequately. 

---

Troubleshooting for these Best Recipes

Cooking is a learning process, so mistakes will always be present no matter how long and experienced you might be. After all, what makes a great cook is adapting and finding a way around the mistakes they cook. 

So in case you encounter mishaps while cooking Broccoli and Chicken stir-fry recipes, do not panic or be anxious because we have troubleshooting steps that you can follow so you can remedy them. 

• There can be a tendency for the dish to be salty because of the soy-sauce. And if that happens, adding a mixture of water and sugar will help neutralize the saltiness. 
• If the sauce is too thin for you, a slurry of cornstarch and water will help thicken the sauce. You can also use flour if you want, but make sure to use a smaller amount. 
• If the sauce is too thick, the problem could be coming from too much cornstarch. Thin down the sauce by slowly adding water to the mixture.
• If you have overcooked the vegetable, don't worry because you can still do something about that. Scoop out the veggies from the mixture and quickly immerse them in a bowl of water filled with ice. It will end the cooking process and, somehow, help in rehydrating the vegetable. 
• If you have overcooked your chicken, you can slice the chicken into smaller pieces and simmer them once more. 

---

Best Serve With

As we all know, Broccoli and Chicken stir fry is a go-to quick fix for hunger, and it is perfect with other dishes. The reason is the sauce: the tang and the slight sweetness go well with most recipes, especially those with strong flavors. 

To give you an idea, we have a list here of dishes that you can serve our featured recipes with. 

• Atcharang Papaya

Grated and pickled papaya is famous in the Philippines for being a side dish, especially fried and roasted dishes. Fiestas and birthday party foods will never be complete without this humble side dish. 

The pickled papaya's zestiness and acidity go well with the Broccoli and Chicken stir fry recipes' savory taste. They balance each other out in one's palate, making them a perfect pair. 

• Arroz ala Cubana

We all know that Broccoli and Chicken are best eaten with rice, right? The bland and starchy rice sops up the sauce, in turn, makes us crave for more of it. 

This dish, inspired by Spanish cuisine, is rich in complex flavors because of its spices. And the chicken inclusion makes it a meal on its own; however, the chicken's complex flavors make it a suitable pair for the stir fry's slightly sweet sauce. 

• No-Bake Macaroni

The rich and flavorful macaroni, with its creamy sauce, compliments the sauce of the Broccoli and Chicken stir fry. Plus, both the dishes' hearty ingredients are packing with veggies and chicken, so it'll get you through the day. 

These two are famous from the country where they came from, so pairing them together is like making two cultures meet at the dining table. 

• Buchi

After a hearty and savory meal, nothing ends a meal better than a sweet and sumptuous treat. And what can be more fitting than our humble yet very decadent Buchi? 

This glutinous rice cake is filling with sweet mung bean paste, rolled in sesame seeds, and deep-fried to perfection. Reminiscent of a classic Oriental dessert, this sweet treat masks the Broccoli and Chicken stir fry recipes' saltiness. 

---

Conclusion 

Eating healthy does not necessarily mean you need to deny yourself eating good and flavorful recipes. Because if that is the case, then a healthier choice of lifestyle is boring and lifeless. 

One needs to be creative and think of ways to make recipes taste awesome yet healthy and nutritious at the same time. And such is the inspiration behind our feature recipes, the Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry. Savory, sumptuous yet packed with all the nutrients that one might need for living a healthier lifestyle. 

The fusion of flavors and the carousel of colors is equally appealing and is sure to win anyone's heart. Let these recipes remind you that food, no matter how complex or simple they are, should always be a treat.

Many recipes out there are healthy and flavorful if we will only search for them and learn them by heart. And with all the information that we have shared, we are more than sure that you are now ready to cook Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipes in your very own kitchen. 

Just keep on exploring and keep on learning: cooking is a lifetime journey of learning and improving. And we will always be willing to help you in your journey of becoming a better home cook, providing you the information you will need. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipe, visit Eat Like Pinoy!

Recipe