Chicken Broccoli Skillet Quick and Flavorful Meal

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Chicken Broccoli Skillet recipe is perfect for busy days. With tender chicken and vibrant veggies, you can whip it up in no time. This dish is not only simple but also packed with flavor. Join me as I share the ingredients, easy steps, and tips to make this meal a hit. Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal option.
  3. Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a deliciously balanced flavor that enhances the dish.
  4. Versatile Serving: Serve it over rice or quinoa, making it adaptable to your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

Chicken: 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper, sliced, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Sauce Ingredients: 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Additional Garnishes: Salt and pepper to taste, cooked rice or quinoa for serving, sesame seeds, and green onions for garnish

Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking so much easier. I love using fresh chicken and bright veggies. The chicken breasts give great flavor and protein. Broccoli adds crunch and health. The red bell pepper makes the dish colorful.

For the sauce, the soy sauce adds umami. Honey brings sweetness, while sesame oil gives depth. Mixing cornstarch with water thickens the sauce. This blend coats the chicken and veggies perfectly.

You can serve this meal over rice or quinoa. It makes everything more filling. Adding sesame seeds and green onions on top makes it look nice. This dish is quick, simple, and full of flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Cooking the Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Next, toss in 2 sliced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden and be cooked through.

Adding Aromatics

Once the chicken is ready, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. This adds a lovely flavor. Cook for about 30 seconds until their scents fill the kitchen.

Incorporating Vegetables

Now it’s time to add the veggies. Toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp.

Making the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Final Assembly

To thicken the sauce, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this in and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the chicken and broccoli over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

Ensuring Chicken is Tender

To keep chicken tender, choose fresh chicken breasts. Slice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Only cook until golden and no longer pink. Avoid overcooking, as that makes the chicken tough.

Perfecting Vegetable Texture

For the best texture, use fresh broccoli and red bell pepper. Stir-fry them quickly in hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp. This keeps their bright color and crunch.

Thickening the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add it to the skillet after the sauce. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes. This gives a nice glaze to the chicken and veggies.

Serving Suggestions

Best Accompaniments

Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. It soaks up the sauce well and makes each bite tasty.

Garnishing Ideas

For a pretty finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add sliced green onions for color and flavor. These little touches make your dish look and taste gourmet. Enjoy the bright flavors and textures!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate the sliced chicken breasts in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Veggie Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious dish.
  3. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding to the skillet.
  4. Garnishing Tips: For a burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice over the dish before serving, enhancing the flavors beautifully.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken Alternatives

You can swap chicken for other meats. Try turkey or pork for a different taste. If you want a lighter option, use shrimp. These choices will change the flavor, but they will still be delicious.

Vegetable Options

Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers work great. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Get creative and use what you have. This dish is very flexible!

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Version

To make this meal gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Vegan Adaptation

For a vegan twist, skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well and offer protein. Replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. This keeps the dish plant-based while still tasting great.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. It lasts for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down first. This helps prevent bacteria growth.

Freezing Tips

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and broccoli mix. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. It is best to use within 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

Best Methods for Reheating

To reheat, use the stovetop for best results. Place the dish in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long does it take to cook chicken in a skillet?

It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook chicken in a skillet. You want the chicken to be golden and cooked through. Always check that there is no pink inside the pieces. This way, you ensure it is safe to eat.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet when you add the chicken. Cook it a bit longer, about 5 to 6 minutes. This will help it thaw and heat through. It may also become softer than fresh broccoli.

What can I serve with chicken broccoli skillet?

You can serve chicken broccoli skillet with cooked rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side salad for extra crunch. A nice piece of bread is great too.

How do I make it spicier?

To make it spicier, add some red pepper flakes to the skillet. Start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon. You can also use sriracha or chili sauce. Adjust to your taste for that perfect kick!

In this post, I shared how to make a delicious chicken and vegetable dish. We went over ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips to ensure success. Don’t forget about the different ingredient swaps and dietary options for everyone.

Storing leftovers is easy, and I provided simple reheating methods. Remember, whether you stick to the basics or make it your own, this recipe can delight every time. Enjoy exploring these ideas and make a meal that pleases you and your loved one

- Chicken: 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces - Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper, sliced, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger - Sauce Ingredients: 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - Additional Garnishes: Salt and pepper to taste, cooked rice or quinoa for serving, sesame seeds, and green onions for garnish Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking so much easier. I love using fresh chicken and bright veggies. The chicken breasts give great flavor and protein. Broccoli adds crunch and health. The red bell pepper makes the dish colorful. For the sauce, the soy sauce adds umami. Honey brings sweetness, while sesame oil gives depth. Mixing cornstarch with water thickens the sauce. This blend coats the chicken and veggies perfectly. You can serve this meal over rice or quinoa. It makes everything more filling. Adding sesame seeds and green onions on top makes it look nice. This dish is quick, simple, and full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} Cooking the Chicken Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Next, toss in 2 sliced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden and be cooked through. Adding Aromatics Once the chicken is ready, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. This adds a lovely flavor. Cook for about 30 seconds until their scents fill the kitchen. Incorporating Vegetables Now it's time to add the veggies. Toss in 2 cups of broccoli florets and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Making the Sauce In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Final Assembly To thicken the sauce, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this in and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the chicken and broccoli over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Ensuring Chicken is Tender To keep chicken tender, choose fresh chicken breasts. Slice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Only cook until golden and no longer pink. Avoid overcooking, as that makes the chicken tough. Perfecting Vegetable Texture For the best texture, use fresh broccoli and red bell pepper. Stir-fry them quickly in hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp. This keeps their bright color and crunch. Thickening the Sauce To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add it to the skillet after the sauce. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes. This gives a nice glaze to the chicken and veggies. Best Accompaniments Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. It soaks up the sauce well and makes each bite tasty. Garnishing Ideas For a pretty finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add sliced green onions for color and flavor. These little touches make your dish look and taste gourmet. Enjoy the bright flavors and textures! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, marinate the sliced chicken breasts in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Veggie Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a colorful and nutritious dish. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding to the skillet. Garnishing Tips: For a burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice over the dish before serving, enhancing the flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} Chicken Alternatives You can swap chicken for other meats. Try turkey or pork for a different taste. If you want a lighter option, use shrimp. These choices will change the flavor, but they will still be delicious. Vegetable Options Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers work great. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Get creative and use what you have. This dish is very flexible! Gluten-Free Version To make this meal gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. Vegan Adaptation For a vegan twist, skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well and offer protein. Replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. This keeps the dish plant-based while still tasting great. Refrigeration Guidelines You can store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. It lasts for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down first. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Freezing Tips For longer storage, freeze the chicken and broccoli mix. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. It is best to use within 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat, use the stovetop for best results. Place the dish in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. How long does it take to cook chicken in a skillet? It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook chicken in a skillet. You want the chicken to be golden and cooked through. Always check that there is no pink inside the pieces. This way, you ensure it is safe to eat. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet when you add the chicken. Cook it a bit longer, about 5 to 6 minutes. This will help it thaw and heat through. It may also become softer than fresh broccoli. What can I serve with chicken broccoli skillet? You can serve chicken broccoli skillet with cooked rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side salad for extra crunch. A nice piece of bread is great too. How do I make it spicier? To make it spicier, add some red pepper flakes to the skillet. Start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon. You can also use sriracha or chili sauce. Adjust to your taste for that perfect kick! In this post, I shared how to make a delicious chicken and vegetable dish. We went over ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips to ensure success. Don't forget about the different ingredient swaps and dietary options for everyone. Storing leftovers is easy, and I provided simple reheating methods. Remember, whether you stick to the basics or make it your own, this recipe can delight every time. Enjoy exploring these ideas and make a meal that pleases you and your loved ones!

Savory Chicken & Broccoli Delight

A delicious stir-fry featuring chicken, broccoli, and bell peppers, seasoned with garlic and ginger.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving cooked rice or quinoa
  • for garnish sesame seeds and green onions

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil.
  • Add the sliced chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
  • Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat everything evenly.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
  • Once ready, remove from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish.

Notes

Serve over rice or quinoa and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, healthy, quick meal, stir-fry

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