Stir-fry dishes are the perfect quick and healthy meal option. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with vibrant broccoli and carrots, seasoned with savory soy and oyster sauces for a delicious, balanced meal. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a wholesome dinner that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Let’s dive into this Chicken with Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe!
Ingredients
- 0.7 lbs (320 g) broccoli florets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.55 lbs (250 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dark soy sauce
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water to thicken)
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Seasoning the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken to enhance its flavor:
- In a bowl, add the thinly sliced chicken breast.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed, coating each slice of chicken.
2. Sautéing the Chicken
- Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
3. Adding Garlic and Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add the vegetables and garlic for extra flavor:
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Next, toss in the sliced carrots and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, but remain crisp and vibrant in color. This will give the stir-fry a fresh and crunchy texture.
4. Flavoring with Sauces
To bring out rich flavors, add the sauces:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Add ½ cup of water to create a sauce that will coat the ingredients and bring everything together. Stir well to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Thickening the Sauce
For a glossy, thick sauce, we’ll use a cornstarch slurry:
- Prepare the slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
- Gradually pour the slurry into the pan, stirring constantly to combine it with the sauce. As it heats, the sauce will thicken and develop a smooth, silky texture that beautifully coats the chicken and vegetables.
6. Serving the Dish
- Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, turn off the heat.
- Transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate and garnish with a few extra carrot slices for a pop of color and added crunch.
Serve this savory stir-fry with steamed rice for a complete meal that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Stir-fries are ideal for busy weeknights, coming together in under 20 minutes.
- Nutritious: This dish is packed with lean protein from chicken, and the broccoli and carrots provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Flavorful: A combination of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms based on what you have on hand.
Cooking Tips
- Slice the Chicken Thin: Thinly sliced chicken breast ensures quick and even cooking. It also helps the chicken absorb the seasoning better.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the vegetables crisp-tender to maintain their nutrients and bright color. Overcooking can result in mushy vegetables.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Always add the cornstarch slurry gradually, and stir continuously to avoid lumps. This gives the sauce a glossy finish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
This Chicken with Broccoli and Carrot Stir-Fry is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy!
