Stir-Fry Recipe With Chicken, Broccoli And Rice
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This easy stir-fry recipe with chicken, broccoli, and rice is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy dinner. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly seasoned rice. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers maximum flavor and is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Chicken, broccoli and rice stir-fry is a very easy to make and healthy one-dish meal. Leftover rice is best for stir-fries, but if you don’t have any leftover rice, you can quickly make rice in your rice cooker. Chicken breast pieces, broccoli and rice and stir-fried with egg and soy sauce to make a very tasty meal. It only takes 15 minutes to make this meal, so it’s a super-quick stir-fry recipe!
Why You’ll Love Stir-Fry With Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast. The straightforward steps and minimal prep keep things stress-free.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and filling rice, this stir-fry is a balanced, wholesome meal that leaves you satisfied.
- Versatile Ingredients: With a few pantry staples like soy sauce and rice, you can create a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home. You can also swap in other veggies or proteins based on your preference.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The mild, savory flavor is appealing to both adults and kids, making it a crowd-pleaser. The customizable seasoning allows you to add more soy sauce or spices to suit individual tastes.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since this is a one-pan meal, you’ll save time on both cooking and cleaning. The recipe also uses a microwave for the broccoli, reducing the number of dishes used.
Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces – Provides lean protein and cooks quickly for a tender texture.
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into pieces – Adds color, crunch, and a dose of vitamins and minerals.
- 2 cups cooked rice – Leftover rice works best as it stays firm during stir-frying, making it perfect for this dish.
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a savory, umami flavor that ties the ingredients together.
- 1 egg – Coats the rice, adding richness and helping to hold the flavors together.
- 1 tbsp oil – Keeps everything from sticking and adds a slight sheen to the stir-fry.
- 1/8 tsp pepper – Adds a subtle hint of spice, balancing out the flavors.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Stir-Fry With Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Microwave – Quickly steams the broccoli, saving time and maintaining its crispness.
- Non-stick Frying Pan – Ensures easy cooking and minimal sticking while stir-frying.
- Cooking Spray – Lightly coats the pan, reducing the need for excess oil.
- Spatula – Helps stir and combine ingredients evenly without scratching the pan.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurate measurements of soy sauce, oil, and pepper.
Instructions
- Put the broccoli pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 4 minutes.
- Spray the non-stick frying pan with a cooking spray. Heat the frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breast pieces to the frying pan and cook, stirring periodically, for 4 minutes, or until cooked through (no longer pink in center).
- Add rice and broccoli to the chicken and stir until combined.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and oil over chicken. Sprinkle with pepper.
- Add the egg to the rice mixture and stir until all the rice is coated with egg and soy sauce. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Taste the stir-fry to see if it’s salty enough. If more salt is needed, add more soy sauce to taste and stir.
Cooking time: 15 minute(s)
Number of servings: 4
Enjoy this yummy chicken, broccoli and rice stir-fry!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this stir-fry on its own for a complete, balanced meal that’s satisfying and easy to enjoy.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and color.
- Pair it with a side of dumplings or spring rolls for a deliciously complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Add a dash of sriracha or bang bang sauce for those who enjoy a little extra heat.
- For a fresh and light pairing, serve alongside a simple Korean cucumber or carrot salad.
Tips For Success
- Use Leftover Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft for stir-frying, leading to a mushy texture. Leftover rice, on the other hand, has a drier consistency, which holds up well in stir-fries. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes before using.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying works best with high heat and space for ingredients to move around in the pan. If the pan is too full, ingredients may steam instead of fry, impacting the flavor and texture.
- Microwave the Broccoli First: Giving the broccoli a quick steam in the microwave saves time and ensures it cooks through without overcooking the chicken or rice. This step also maintains the vibrant green color of the broccoli.
- Add Soy Sauce Gradually: It’s better to add a little soy sauce first and taste before adding more. This prevents the dish from becoming too salty, allowing you to customize it to your preference.
- Quickly Stir in the Egg: Adding the egg at the end helps bind the ingredients and adds richness. Stir it in swiftly to evenly coat the rice, creating that classic stir-fry texture without large chunks of egg.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken breast for shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef to create a different flavor profile. Shrimp cooks quickly, while tofu adds a vegetarian option that absorbs the sauce beautifully. If using beef, slice it thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to bring more color and nutrition to the dish. Sliced mushrooms or zucchini also pair well with the flavors of the stir-fry, adding a meaty texture.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, which is especially helpful for those watching their sodium intake. You can always add a pinch of salt at the end if more flavor is needed.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free stir-fry, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. The taste is nearly identical, but tamari is naturally gluten-free.
- Add Spice: If you love a bit of heat, add a dash of chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha when adding the soy sauce. This can bring a spicy kick without overwhelming the main flavors.
- Rice Substitutes: Use brown rice for added fiber and a nutty taste, or swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Cauliflower rice cooks quickly, so reduce the cooking time when using it to avoid a mushy texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the stir-fry completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a small amount of oil to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally until the stir-fry is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if you don’t have fresh. Just microwave it for a minute or two less than fresh broccoli, as frozen broccoli softens faster. Make sure to drain any excess water after microwaving to avoid adding too much moisture to the stir-fry.
What type of rice works best for this stir-fry?
Leftover rice or day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less likely to become mushy when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice can work if cooled on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Can I make this stir-fry in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the microwave or a skillet, making it a great option for meal prep.
How can I add more flavor to this stir-fry?
To boost flavor, consider adding minced garlic, ginger, or a dash of sesame oil. You could also top the stir-fry with green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds after cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to keep the flavors of the stir-fry while reducing the carb content. Just reduce the cooking time slightly when using cauliflower rice to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Other Easy Chicken Recipes
Quick Air Fryer Chicken and Mushrooms: This easy air fryer recipe combines juicy chicken and savory mushrooms for a delicious, low-effort meal ready in minutes.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe: Enjoy the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner with a spicy kick.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Drumsticks: Tender and flavorful, these pressure-cooked chicken drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and ready in a flash.
Other Easy Broccoli Recipes
Broccoli Apple Salad – No Mayo, Dairy-Free: A refreshing, crisp salad featuring broccoli and apples, tossed in a light, dairy-free dressing for a healthy side dish.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli, Cranberries, and Walnuts: Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutritious broccoli, cranberries, and walnuts, making a hearty, wholesome dish packed with flavor.
Other Easy Rice Recipes
Protein-Packed Bone Broth Rice: This bone broth-infused rice is a simple way to add protein and rich flavor to your favorite meals.
Easy Mango Fried Rice with Fresh Mango: Sweet mango pairs perfectly with savory fried rice in this quick and tasty tropical-inspired dish.
Stir-Fry Recipe With Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into small pieces
- 2 cups broccoli cut into pieces
- 2 cups cooked rice leftover rice works best
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Microwave
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the broccoli pieces in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High for 4 minutes.
- Spray a non-stick frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breast pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until fully cooked (no pink remains in the center).
- Add the cooked rice and microwaved broccoli to the pan with the chicken, stirring until well combined.
- Drizzle soy sauce and oil over the mixture, and sprinkle with pepper.
- Crack the egg into the stir-fry and stir continuously until the egg is fully incorporated and coats the rice, about 2 minutes.
- Taste the stir-fry and add more soy sauce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftover rice is ideal for this stir-fry as it absorbs flavors better and has a firmer texture, which helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
- If you prefer extra crunch, try adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas to the stir-fry along with the broccoli for added color and texture.
Nutrition
More Stir Fry Recipes
- Stir-Fried Scallops with Shiitake Mushrooms and Bok Choy
- Healthy Ground Turkey and Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Low-Carb Ground Beef Stir-Fry