If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and packed with wholesome goodness, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Featuring tender chicken pieces, crisp broccoli florets, and a luscious sauce that brings everything together beautifully, this dish is a fantastic blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekday dinner or impressing family with a dish that feels special, this recipe offers a delightful balance of simplicity and elegance that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, contributing to the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this stir-fry so memorable. From the fresh broccoli’s vibrant green crunch to the savory depth brought by soy and oyster sauces, these simple components come together to create something truly delicious.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds a crisp, bright pop of green and satisfying texture that’s also nutritious.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying the ingredients without overpowering their natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings savory umami notes to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, elevating the stir-fry’s richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic pungency that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Injects warming spice and freshness to balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, creamy finish.
- Steamed rice: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. This allows them to cook quickly and absorb those wonderful flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper; this simple step ensures your chicken will be flavorful inside and out.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring just until they release their amazing aroma, about 30 seconds. Aromatics like these lay the perfect foundation for your stir-fry’s bold flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry them until they’re cooked through and have developed a lovely light golden-brown color, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside so you can focus on the vegetables.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp, maintaining that wonderful texture that makes this dish so vibrant and satisfying.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Broccoli with Sauces
Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring everything well to ensure each bite is coated with the rich, savory sauce that’s the heart of this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Slowly add the cornstarch and water mixture to the pan, stirring constantly. Within a minute or two, you’ll notice the sauce turn glossy and thicken perfectly, clinging to every piece of chicken and broccoli with that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the stir-fry a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt or pepper. Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice, which soaks up all the sauce and rounds out this comforting meal wonderfully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a handful of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions adds a lovely visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor. A few red pepper flakes can also bring a gentle heat if you like a bit of a kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. For some extra freshness, a simple cucumber salad or crisp spring rolls make excellent sides to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stir-fry inside warm lettuce cups for a refreshing, handheld option. Alternatively, placing the stir-fry on a bed of noodles or even roasted sweet potato slices offers a fun twist that’s equally delicious and filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making your next meal just as tasty, if not better.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for later, freezing is a great option. Cool the stir-fry completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months, making it a convenient make-ahead dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your stir-fry gently in a pan over medium heat to preserve the creamy texture and avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic, you can swap or add bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms for variety and extra color. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so everything finishes evenly.
What makes this a creamy stir-fry if there’s no cream?
The creamy texture comes from thickening the savory sauce with a cornstarch slurry, which creates a glossy, smooth coating that feels rich without needing any dairy.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Typically, soy sauce and oyster sauce contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free versions of these sauces to make the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cutting the chicken into small, uniform pieces and cooking it over medium-high heat just until done helps keep it juicy and tender, avoiding dryness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a delicious plant-based twist that preserves the creamy texture and flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is truly a gem in the kitchen – quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, it combines everyday ingredients into something special. So grab your wok and give it a try; I promise it’ll become a favorite you reach for again and again!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. The dish is thickened with a cornstarch slurry and served over steamed rice, making it a quick and satisfying meal full of balanced flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
To Serve
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper to taste and set them aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Cook chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook broccoli: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine ingredients: Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat evenly.
- Thicken sauce: Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir continuously, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken and broccoli hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or substitute with mushroom sauce.
- Adjust garlic and ginger amounts to your taste preferences.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture; frozen can be substituted but may alter cooking time.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it crisp and bright green.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
