Savor the delightful combination of tender chicken and crisp broccoli in this savory dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a flavorful punch with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
The star of this dish is the chicken breast, providing lean protein and absorbing the marinade beautifully for a rich flavor. The broccoli florets offer a vibrant color and crunchy texture, pairing well with the tender chicken. Soy sauce and oyster sauce together create a salty, umami-rich base that is both savory and slightly sweet. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying due to its high smoke point, while cornstarch helps thicken the marinade, giving the chicken a glossy finish. A touch of ginger and garlic adds warmth and aroma, enhancing the overall savory profile. Chicken broth and water help steam the broccoli, ensuring it's perfectly tender. Finally, sesame oil provides a nutty fragrance, while black pepper and salt round out the seasoning.
This savory chicken and broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, which soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a nice touch of freshness and crunch.
Start by slicing the chicken breasts thinly, which helps them cook quickly and evenly. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Add the chicken slices, ensuring they're well-coated, and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes. This step infuses the meat with flavor and tenderness.
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds, just until their fragrance blooms. This quick burst of heat releases their flavorful oils without burning.
Next, add the marinated chicken to the pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the chicken with a glossy sheen.
Now, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir them around to combine with the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and water. Cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam, allowing the broccoli to cook for 3-4 minutes until it's tender-crisp but still bright green.
Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, drizzle the sesame oil over everything and season with black pepper and salt to taste. Give everything a good stir to ensure the flavors meld together, then serve hot.