We’ve always loved how a simple stir-fry like our Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms recipe brings bold flavors to the table in no time. It’s a go-to dish that combines tender chicken with crisp veggies for a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Originating from classic Asian influences we’ve adapted for home cooks it’s packed with protein and vitamins making it ideal for busy weeknights. We’ll show you how easy it is to whip up this wholesome favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
In our Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms recipe, we select fresh, vibrant ingredients to deliver a nutritious and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips for quick cooking and even browning.
- Broccoli: 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and retain their crisp texture.
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced thinly to release their earthy flavors as they stir-fry.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for an aromatic base that enhances the Asian-inspired taste.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated to add a zesty, warming note to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, used for marinating and glazing to balance umami and saltiness.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, which provides a rich, savory depth typical of classic stir-fries.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce and giving it a glossy finish.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for high-heat stir-frying to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect sear.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, added during cooking to season the chicken and vegetables for optimal flavor.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms stir-fry seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that ensure efficiency and safety in the kitchen. Building on our ingredients list, these items help us handle chopping, stirring, and cooking with precision.
Here’s a breakdown of the key tools we recommend:
- Wok or Large Skillet: This is our go-to for high-heat stir-frying, allowing even heat distribution to achieve that signature crisp-tender texture on the broccoli and mushrooms while searing the chicken perfectly.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: We use a sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife to slice the chicken breasts or thighs, chop broccoli florets, and slice mushrooms quickly and safely, minimizing prep time.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls come in handy—one for marinating the chicken with soy sauce and ginger, and another for combining the cornstarch mixture to thicken our stir-fry sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe’s balance, so we always have a set of these on hand to measure out soy sauce, oyster sauce, and oil precisely.
- Spatula or Tongs: A heat-resistant spatula or pair of tongs helps us toss and stir the ingredients effortlessly in the wok, ensuring everything cooks uniformly without breaking apart the chicken.
- Garlic Press or Grater: For mincing garlic cloves and grating fresh ginger efficiently, this tool saves time and releases maximum flavor into our dish.
With these tools assembled, we’re fully equipped to move forward and create a nutritious, bold-flavored meal that highlights the best of our Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms recipe.
Instructions
We guide you through crafting our flavorful Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms with simple, step-by-step directions. Let’s turn fresh ingredients into a nutritious stir-fry bursting with savory aromas and crisp textures.
Prep
Before cooking, we prepare the ingredients to ensure everything cooks quickly and evenly. Start by gathering your tools—a sharp knife, cutting board, and mixing bowls—from our earlier setup.
- Slice the chicken: Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the tender meat’s natural flavors.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets into uniform pieces to retain their crisp crunch. Slice 8 ounces of cremini or button mushrooms thinly for quick absorption of savory sauces.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a bold, aromatic base. In another bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a thickening slurry that will give the dish its glossy finish.
- Mince the garlic: Finely mince 3 cloves of garlic to release its pungent essence, which will infuse the stir-fry with irresistible fragrance.
Cook
We move to the stove to stir-fry the ingredients, building layers of flavor through high-heat cooking that caramelizes the edges and locks in moisture.
- Heat the oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, creating a hot base for searing.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the hot oil and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until it turns golden-brown and juicy, ensuring it’s nearly cooked through for a tender bite.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, broccoli florets, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables brighten and the mushrooms release their earthy juices, filling the kitchen with a savory steam.
- Incorporate the sauce: Pour in the soy sauce mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a glossy, aromatic blend that highlights the crisp broccoli and meaty mushrooms.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, we bring it all together for a cohesive dish that’s ready to enjoy, with vibrant colors and textures that make it a family favorite.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency, clinging to the chicken and vegetables for a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the stir-fry and add salt and pepper to taste, balancing the bold flavors to perfection.
- Plate the dish: Transfer the completed stir-fry to serving plates, garnishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired, to showcase the vibrant green broccoli, golden chicken, and glossy mushrooms in a visually appealing presentation. Serve immediately for the best fresh taste and texture.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this vibrant chicken with broccoli and mushrooms recipe, as it’s a perfect way to bring bold flavors to your table effortlessly. It’s not just a meal—it’s our go-to for quick, nutritious dinners that keep everyone satisfied.
Give it a try tonight and see how simple home cooking can be both delicious and rewarding. We’re confident you’ll make it a staple in your weekly routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms?
The key ingredients include 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening. Use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for stir-frying, with salt and pepper to taste.
How long does it take to prepare this stir-fry recipe?
This quick stir-fry takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-15 minutes to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Total time is around 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Is this Chicken with Broccoli and Mushrooms recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s nutritious, featuring lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and low-calorie mushrooms. The recipe uses fresh veggies and minimal oil, making it a balanced, low-sodium option when using low-sodium soy sauce. It’s perfect for a wholesome family dinner.
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Absolutely, swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian twist. Use other greens like snap peas instead of broccoli, or white mushrooms for cremini. Adjust soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free needs, but keep garlic and ginger for authentic flavor.
What tools do I need to make this dish?
You’ll need a wok or large skillet for stir-frying, a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, mixing bowls for sauces, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a spatula or tongs for stirring, and a garlic press or grater. These basics ensure safe and efficient cooking.
How should I store leftovers of this stir-fry?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. For best results, avoid freezing as vegetables may lose crunch, but it’s fine for up to a month if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, it’s beginner-friendly with simple steps, common ingredients, and quick prep. The article provides clear instructions, making it easy to follow and achieve great results, even if you’re new to stir-frying. Just focus on high-heat cooking for the best flavors.