Asian Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

As I stand in my kitchen, the aroma of ginger and garlic filling the air, I’m excited to share this quick and delicious Asian-inspired chicken and broccoli dish. This recipe is a perfect example of how we can create complex flavors in a short amount of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something tasty without the long wait.

The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce is a classic in Asian cuisine. By marinating the chicken overnight, we ensure that every bite is infused with flavor, while the quick cooking time preserves the fresh taste and texture of the broccoli.

Ingredients

For this flavorful dish, you’ll need:

• 600g (about 1.3 lbs) chicken breast fillet
• 300g (about 10 oz) broccoli florets

For the marinade:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 piece of peeled ginger (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm)
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1/4 tsp Chinese 5-spice powder
• 200ml (about 7 oz) vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken and Marinade (Day Before)

1. I begin by washing the chicken breast fillets and patting them dry with paper towels. Then, I cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures quick and even cooking.
2. I place the chicken pieces into a sealable freezer bag, ready for marinating.
3. For the marinade, I combine the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, peeled and roughly chopped ginger, peeled garlic cloves, and Chinese 5-spice powder in a blender.
4. I blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic mixture. The ginger and garlic will infuse the marinade with their pungent flavors, while the sweet chili sauce adds a hint of sweetness and heat.
5. I pour this flavorful marinade over the chicken in the freezer bag, making sure all pieces are well coated. Then, I seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
6. The marinating chicken goes into the refrigerator overnight. This long marinating time allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavorful chicken.

2. Cooking the Dish (Next Day)

1. When I’m ready to cook, I start by blanching the broccoli florets. I bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the broccoli, and cook for just 2 minutes. Then, I immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This quick blanching helps maintain the broccoli’s bright green color and crisp texture.
2. In a large skillet or wok, I heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the oil is hot, I add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade. I cook this for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
4. Next, I add the blanched broccoli florets to the pan with the chicken. I stir-fry for another 3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to heat through and absorb some of the sauce’s flavors.
5. Finally, I pour in the vegetable stock. I bring this to a quick boil, which helps to create a light sauce and ensures everything is heated through.
6. I taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, though the marinade usually provides plenty of flavor.
7. The dish is now ready to serve! I like to plate it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 39g

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight marinating)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)

The Art of Quick, Flavorful Cooking

As I savor this Asian chicken with broccoli, I’m reminded of the beauty of quick, flavorful cooking. This dish proves that with a bit of planning (in this case, marinating the chicken overnight), we can create restaurant-quality meals in our own kitchens in just 15 minutes.

The key to this dish’s success lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken, tender and infused with the complex flavors of the marinade, contrasts beautifully with the crisp, fresh broccoli. The sauce, a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and savory notes, ties everything together.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility. While it’s delicious as is, it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a spicier version, you could add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you’re looking to increase the vegetable content, bell peppers or snap peas would make excellent additions. For a vegetarian version, firm tofu could be substituted for the chicken, marinated and cooked in the same way.

This dish also demonstrates how we can incorporate healthy eating into our busy lives. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, making it a balanced meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health.

As we enjoy this amazingly good Asian chicken with broccoli, we’re not just satisfying our hunger – we’re participating in a global culinary tradition that values quick, flavorful cooking. We’re proving that with a little preparation and the right techniques, we can create dishes that are both convenient and delicious.

So the next time you’re short on time but craving something tasty and satisfying, give this Asian chicken with broccoli a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of eating well, even when life gets busy. Who knows? It might just become your new go-to recipe for those hectic weeknight dinners.