Ground Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Instant Quick Meals Recipes
I absolutely love making Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for a quick weeknight dinner. The tantalizing combination of savory chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a flavorful sauce comes together in just a few minutes. Cooking this dish not only fills my home with an irresistible aroma but also brings an instant sense of satisfaction to my family. It's a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen, and it always leaves us wanting more!
When I first experimented with Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The secret to the rich flavor lies in the homemade stir-fry sauce, which I’ve perfected over time. Using a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic ensures that every bite is packed with taste, and it only takes minutes to whip up.
One of my favorite aspects of this dish is how versatile it is. Sometimes, I like to throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for color and nutrition. The key is to keep the broccoli bright green and crisp, adding it to the pan just long enough to keep its crunch while absorbing all those delicious flavors!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory ground chicken complements the fresh crunch of broccoli
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
- Versatile recipe; add your favorite vegetables for variety
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
Achieving the right texture for ground chicken is crucial to this stir fry. When cooking the chicken, ensure the skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the meat. This will help the chicken sear and develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. If the chicken starts to steam instead of brown, increase the heat slightly. The ideal cooking time is about 5-7 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and starts forming golden edges.
If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or even ground tofu as alternatives. Ground turkey will maintain a similar taste and texture, while tofu can absorb the flavors of the dish beautifully. However, if using tofu, make sure to press it first to remove excess moisture, then crumble it into the skillet in place of the ground chicken.
Enhancing the Flavor Profile
The combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce creates a perfect umami balance in this stir fry. If you enjoy a bolder flavor, try adding a dash of sesame oil or grated chili pepper to the sauce. This will give the dish an extra layer of depth and a pleasant kick. Always remember to taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet; it's easier to adjust according to your preference at this stage.
Consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This will brighten up the dish and enhance the overall flavor, giving a nice contrast to the savory elements of the ground chicken and broccoli. Additionally, tossing in a handful of toasted nuts, such as cashews or almonds, can introduce a delightful crunch and nuance.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare all ingredients and have them ready before you start cooking for a seamless stir-frying experience!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics
Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Combine with Broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Finish with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious ground chicken and broccoli stir fry!
Pro Tips
- For added heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the stir-fry during cooking. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish lighter.
Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions
This Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and broccoli mix, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet on medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Just be cautious not to overcook the broccoli during reheating to preserve its texture.
If you wish to freeze this dish, make sure it cools completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove until heated through. The quick cooking method of this stir fry allows it to come together easily, even when reheating.
Serving Ideas and Variations
While this dish is delicious on its own, serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or on a nest of noodles can elevate your dinner experience. For a flavorful rice option, consider using jasmine or brown rice, both of which pair exceptionally well with the stir fry's robust flavors. For a quicker alternative, instant rice is also a practical choice that cooks in under 10 minutes.
Feel free to customize this stir fry by incorporating other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Remember to adjust the cooking time slightly for different vegetables to ensure they become tender but still provide a satisfying crunch. Just add them to the pan sequentially based on their cooking times—harder vegetables like carrots should go in earlier while softer options like bell peppers can be added later.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir fry.
→ What can I substitute for ground chicken?
You can substitute ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for this recipe to make it gluten-free.
Ground Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry
I absolutely love making Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for a quick weeknight dinner. The tantalizing combination of savory chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a flavorful sauce comes together in just a few minutes. Cooking this dish not only fills my home with an irresistible aroma but also brings an instant sense of satisfaction to my family. It's a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen, and it always leaves us wanting more!
Created by: Florence Keaton
Recipe Type: Instant Quick Meals Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Extra Tips
- For added heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the stir-fry during cooking. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish lighter.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g