Busy home cooks often struggle to make a tasty meal quickly. Our chicken and broccoli recipe is a great fix for those rushed evenings. It’s an easy chicken dinner that’s full of flavor and good for you.
Stir-fry was a big part of my family’s meals when I was growing up. The sound of chicken and broccoli cooking in a pan brings back happy memories. Now, I’m happy to share a quick chicken meal that’s just as tasty and easy.
This chicken and broccoli recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. It needs only a few ingredients and simple cooking steps. Anyone can make this healthy and tasty dish.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare a complete meal in under 30 minutes
- Nutritious and flavor-packed recipe
- Perfect for busy families and individuals
- Requires minimal cooking skills
- Adaptable to various dietary preferences
Why We Love This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Finding the best healthy chicken recipes can change how we cook at home. Our chicken and broccoli dish is a standout. It makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One-pan meals save time for busy families. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush. Our easy cooking method means less prep time but lots of flavor.
- Total cooking time: 30 minutes
- Minimal kitchen cleanup
- Simple ingredient list
Healthy Ingredients
This meal is both healthy and tasty. It combines lean chicken and broccoli for a great mix of protein and veggies. It’s good for your diet.
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | High protein, low fat |
| Broccoli | Rich in vitamins K and C |
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Stress-free cooking is what our chicken and broccoli recipe offers. It’s great for anyone with a busy schedule. It’s a quick, healthy dinner option.
“Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming!” – Home Cook Magazine
Ingredients We Need for Our Recipe
Making tasty broccoli dishes begins with picking the right ingredients. Our high-protein recipes need careful selection for the best flavor and nutrition. Let’s explore the key ingredients that make our chicken and broccoli recipe a hit for those watching carbs.
Fresh Chicken Breast: The Protein Powerhouse
Choosing top-notch chicken breast is key for our high-protein recipe. Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are:
- Hormone-free
- Locally sourced
- Trimmed of excess fat
Crisp Broccoli Florets: Nutritional Superstars
Broccoli dishes are best with the freshest veggies. Our recipe calls for crisp, bright green broccoli florets that offer:
- Excellent nutritional value
- Vibrant color
- Perfect texture for stir-frying
Essential Seasonings
Our low-carb recipe comes alive with a mix of aromatics and seasonings:
- Garlic: Adds depth and complexity
- Fresh ginger: Brings warmth and zest
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances umami flavor
- Sesame oil: Provides a nutty undertone
“The secret to great cooking is using fresh, high-quality ingredients” – Chef’s Wisdom
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking
Making an easy chicken dinner is simple. Our quick chicken meal is made in just one pan. It’s great for busy cooks who want a tasty and easy meal.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by picking fresh chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. Then, season the chicken with your favorite spices. Here are some good ones:
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary
Cooking the Broccoli
To cook broccoli right, follow these tips:
- Cut broccoli into uniform florets
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet
- Sauté broccoli for 3-4 minutes until bright green
Combining Ingredients
Now, mix everything together. Put seasoned chicken in the pan with broccoli. Let the flavors blend. Cook until the chicken is 165°F inside.
“Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious!” – Our Test Kitchen
Our quick chicken meals are ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll have a healthy dinner fast.
Printable chicken and broccoli recipe
Print
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A healthy and delicious chicken and broccoli stir-fry recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a nutritious meal prep option.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and ground ginger.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.
Notes
Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a variation.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice or noodles)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken and Broccoli, Easy Stir-Fry, Healthy Dinner, Quick Meal, Weeknight Recipe
Tips for Customizing Our Dish
Creating delicious healthy chicken recipes doesn’t mean sticking to a single formula. Our basic chicken and broccoli dish offers endless possibilities for personalization and excitement in your meal prep ideas.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Expanding your broccoli dishes is simple and nutritious. Try incorporating these colorful vegetable additions:
- Sliced bell peppers
- Zucchini chunks
- Cauliflower florets
- Sliced carrots
Experimenting with Sauces
We love transforming our basic recipe with different sauce options. Each sauce brings a unique flavor profile to our chicken and broccoli combination:
| Sauce Type | Flavor Profile | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Teriyaki | Sweet and Tangy | 5 minutes |
| Garlic Herb | Rich and Aromatic | 3 minutes |
| Lemon Butter | Bright and Creamy | 4 minutes |
Adjusting Spice Levels
Customize the heat in your healthy chicken recipes with these simple spice modifications:
- Mild: Use black pepper and herbs
- Medium: Add red pepper flakes
- Spicy: Incorporate cayenne or sriracha
“Cooking is about personal expression – make each meal uniquely yours!” – Chef Anonymous
By experimenting with vegetables, sauces, and spices, you’ll transform your basic chicken and broccoli into an exciting, personalized meal prep adventure.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas
Our chicken and broccoli recipe is great for any meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it quickly or plan ahead for delicious leftovers.
Pairing with Grains
Rice and quinoa pair well with our chicken and broccoli. Steamed brown rice adds a nutty taste that goes well with the chicken. Quinoa adds more protein and a light texture. These options make a balanced and nutritious meal.
Standalone Meal Option
If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, our recipe is ideal. It combines protein from chicken and fiber from broccoli. This makes a filling meal without grains.
Creative Lunch Transformations
Turn leftovers into a tasty lunch. Slice the chicken and mix it with greens for a salad. Or, wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla for a quick meal. These ideas keep your meals interesting and healthy all week.
