Savory Chicken and Broccoli

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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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.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken and Broccoli

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your broccoli stems are thick, slice them in half to ensure they cook evenly with the florets.
  • To save time, you can marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even overnight in the fridge.
  • Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; it makes a noticeable difference.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it and pat dry before adding to the pan to prevent excess water from watering down the sauce.
What if I don't have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or simply increase the soy sauce slightly for a similar effect.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Savory Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Walkthrough

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with protein and veggies, making it a balanced meal.
  • Rich, savory flavors thanks to the combination of soy and oyster sauces.
  • Minimal cleanup with just one pan required.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
2 cups broccoli florets
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the chicken slices and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir to combine with the chicken.
5. Pour chicken broth and water into the pan, cover, and steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil and season with black pepper and salt. Stir well and serve hot.

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