Ground Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Fast Easy Meals Ideas
I love a good stir fry, and this Ground Chicken and Broccoli version is one of my all-time favorites. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and makes for a delightful weeknight meal. The combination of ground chicken and crunchy broccoli provides a satisfying texture, while the savory sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, with minimal prep and cook time, this dish makes it easy to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I'm sure it will become a staple in your household as it has in mine!
When I first experimented with ground chicken, I was pleasantly surprised by how versatile it could be. I decided to pair it with broccoli, and the result was incredible! The chicken absorbs the flavor of the sauce, while the broccoli adds a refreshing crunch. This is a great way to sneak in some greens for those picky eaters.
One of my favorite tips is to add a splash of sesame oil at the end—this gives the dish a lovely nutty aroma that complements the other flavors perfectly. Trust me, it elevates the entire meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just one pan
- Packed with protein and nutrients from the broccoli
- Versatile - great for meal prep or a family dinner
- Savory sauce that ties all the flavors together
The Perfect Stir-Fry Technique
Achieving the perfect stir-fry requires a balance of high heat and quick cooking. I recommend preheating your pan or wok until it’s hot before adding the oil. The high temperature allows the ground chicken to sear quickly, giving it a delightful browned color and eliminating excess moisture. Ensure that you are constantly stirring to prevent sticking and to cook evenly without burning.
When adding the garlic and ginger, do this just before the chicken is fully cooked. This timing allows the aromatics to release their flavors without burning, which can give a bitter taste. Cook them briefly, just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, immediately add the broccoli to capitalize on that fragrant base.
Unlocking Flavor with Sauces
The blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce in this recipe is essential for creating that rich umami flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, while oyster sauce brings sweetness and a distinct savory note. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, tamari can be a great substitute for soy sauce without compromising flavor.
Don’t forget to incorporate the cornstarch slurry; this step is crucial for achieving the desired consistency in the sauce. When combined with the heat, the slurry thickens and creates a glossy sheen that clings well to the chicken and broccoli. Make sure to stir well to incorporate it evenly, preventing lumpiness.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a quick and delicious stir fry:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Feel free to customize with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious stir fry:
Cook the Chicken
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and broccoli florets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Pour this over the chicken and broccoli, stirring well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle with sesame oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot over cooked rice.
Enjoy your flavorful stir fry!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry makes excellent leftovers! After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the broccoli.
If you prefer to meal prep, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time, storing it in a separate container. This way, you can quickly throw together the stir-fry on busy nights while enhancing the flavors developed in the sauce.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize this stir-fry by swapping out the broccoli for other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots. Each will bring a different crunch and flavor profile. If you want to add some heat, include sliced red chili peppers or a dash of chili paste in the sauce mixture.
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked noodles to the stir-fry towards the end of cooking. This approach will allow the noodles to absorb the savory sauce and integrate better with the chicken and vegetables.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can finely chop or grind chicken breasts to use in this recipe.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it in a pan or microwave.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to enhance the nutrition and flavor.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Substituting soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari will make it gluten-free.
Ground Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry
I love a good stir fry, and this Ground Chicken and Broccoli version is one of my all-time favorites. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and makes for a delightful weeknight meal. The combination of ground chicken and crunchy broccoli provides a satisfying texture, while the savory sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, with minimal prep and cook time, this dish makes it easy to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I'm sure it will become a staple in your household as it has in mine!
Created by: Maribel Sutton
Recipe Type: Fast Easy Meals Ideas
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
How-To Steps
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and broccoli florets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture. Pour this over the chicken and broccoli, stirring well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Drizzle with sesame oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot over cooked rice.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 32g