We love diving into fresh, flavorful dishes like our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli Recipes, a vibrant stir-fry that’s become a staple in our kitchen. This easy fusion brings together tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crisp broccoli for a protein-packed meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
It’s inspired by quick Asian cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy nights when we crave something healthy without the fuss. Whether you’re a home cook or a recipe enthusiast, we’ll show you how to whip up this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become your go-to.
Ingredients
To prepare our flavorful Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli stir-fry, we gather high-quality ingredients that highlight the dish’s vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits. We’ve organized them in the order they’ll be used, with prep notes for clarity.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Shrimp: 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined to ensure tenderness and remove any grit.
- Broccoli: 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, trimmed and washed to maintain their crisp texture and bright green color.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for an aromatic base that enhances the savory profile.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated to add a zesty, warming note typical of Asian-inspired dishes.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, for a balanced umami flavor that ties the proteins together.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, to provide a rich, slightly sweet glaze.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon sesame oil, for a nutty finish that elevates the stir-fry’s aroma.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for high-heat cooking to prevent sticking.
- Optional Add-ins: 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips, if you want to boost color and crunch in your Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient cooking and vibrant results. These items help us handle the stir-frying process with precision, building on the fresh ingredients we’ve gathered.
Key Tools for Preparation
We’ll organize our equipment by categories for clarity, focusing on what we need for chopping, mixing, and cooking:
- Wok or Large Skillet: Our go-to for high-heat stir-frying, this allows even cooking of the chicken, shrimp, and broccoli to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing the chicken breasts and prepping the broccoli florets safely and quickly.
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): We use these to marinate the shrimp and combine sauces, keeping our workspace organized.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our soy sauce and sesame oil, ensuring balanced flavors in every bite.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without damaging our wok, promoting even distribution of heat and flavors.
- Colander: Perfect for rinsing and draining the broccoli florets, removing excess water to prevent sogginess.
By having these tools ready, we set ourselves up for a smooth cooking experience that highlights the nutritious appeal of this dish.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through preparing our vibrant Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli stir-fry with simple, step-by-step instructions that deliver bold flavors and nutritious results.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we begin by prepping our key components to ensure everything cooks quickly and evenly. First, slice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips for fast stir-frying, then rinse and peel 1/2 pound of large shrimp, removing the veins for a clean taste. Next, wash and cut 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces to maintain their crisp texture. We also mince 3 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger to release their aromatic essence, which will infuse the dish with a pungent, savory depth. If using the optional red bell pepper, dice 1 medium one into strips for added crunch and color. Organize these prepped items near your wok or skillet for a seamless workflow, allowing us to capture the fresh, vibrant flavors of our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe.
Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
With our ingredients ready, we move to the stovetop to build the dish’s hearty base. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and releases a faint smoke, signaling it’s hot enough for optimal stir-frying. Add the sliced chicken strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and opaque, filling the kitchen with a sizzling sound and irresistible savory aroma. Push the chicken to one side, then add the peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they curl and turn pink, their juices mingling to create a glossy, succulent texture. We season this mixture with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty finish, ensuring our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli stir-fry achieves a perfect balance of tender proteins and rich flavors.
Add the Broccoli
Once the proteins are cooked, we incorporate the vegetables to add freshness and crunch without overcooking. Toss in the cut broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, keeping the heat high to preserve their bright green color and slight crispness while they absorb the pan’s flavorful oils. If you’re using the diced red bell pepper, add it now and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it softens slightly, enhancing the dish’s vibrant visual appeal and sweet undertones. We continue stirring constantly to ensure even heating, allowing the broccoli’s earthy notes to blend with the garlic and ginger’s pungency, elevating the overall sensory experience of our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe.
Assemble and Serve
To finish our stir-fry, we combine all elements and add the final touches for a cohesive, mouthwatering meal. Pour in a mixture of 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce and 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, stirring everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients in a glossy, umami-rich glaze that carries hints of saltiness and depth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking and lock in the tender juiciness of the chicken and shrimp alongside the broccoli’s fresh crunch. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, nutritious plate that highlights the bold, harmonious flavors of our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline our Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe and fit it into busy schedules, we can prepare key elements in advance without compromising the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. This approach ensures that our stir-fry remains a quick, nutritious staple, ready to deliver tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crisp broccoli with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting by prepping the raw ingredients a day or two in advance to save time during cooking. Begin with slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips and peeling and deveining the shrimp to keep them fresh and ready. For the broccoli, cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and store them separately to maintain their bright green color and crunch. Additionally, mince the garlic and ginger, then combine them in a small container to preserve their aromatic punch.
Marinating Proteins
For enhanced flavor, we can marinate the chicken and shrimp up to 24 hours ahead. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced chicken and peeled shrimp with a mixture of low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. This step infuses the proteins with bold, savory notes, making our stir-fry even more irresistible when it’s time to cook.
Cooking and Storing the Dish
If we’re planning for meal prep, we can fully cook the stir-fry and store it for later enjoyment. After following the cooking steps, allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. To preserve the dish’s sensory appeal—such as the glossy sauce coating the ingredients—refrigerate or freeze based on our needs. Below is a quick reference table for optimal storage times:
| Component | Storage Method | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Prepped Ingredients | Refrigerator | 1-2 days |
| Marinated Proteins | Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours |
| Fully Cooked Stir-Fry | Refrigerator | 3-4 days for peak freshness |
| Fully Cooked Stir-Fry | Freezer | Up to 1 month |
Reheating for Best Results
When it’s time to enjoy our make-ahead Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli, reheat gently to retain the dish’s appealing textures. In a wok or skillet over medium heat, add a splash of vegetable oil and stir the portions for 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and the broccoli regains its crisp-tender bite. For microwave reheating, cover the container loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the shrimp and keep the overall meal vibrant and flavorful. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli recipe to bring bold flavors and ease into your kitchen. It’s a go-to option that fits seamlessly into busy lives while delivering nutrition and taste we all crave.
Experiment with it as your staple and watch it become a family favorite. We’re confident it’ll elevate your meals effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli?
Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli is a vibrant stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and crisp broccoli for a nutritious meal. Inspired by quick Asian techniques, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights, offering bold flavors and health benefits in one skillet.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli?
You’ll need 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts, 1/2 pound of large shrimp, 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, garlic, ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. Optional red bell pepper adds color and crunch. These fresh ingredients ensure a flavorful, balanced dish.
How do I prepare Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli?
Start by prepping ingredients: slice chicken, peel shrimp, and cut broccoli. Heat oil in a wok, stir-fry chicken until golden, add shrimp and veggies, then mix in soy and oyster sauces. Cook until coated and thickened, about 10-15 minutes total. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick, delicious meal.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
You’ll need a wok or large skillet for stir-frying, a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, mixing bowls for sauces, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a colander for rinsing broccoli. These tools make cooking efficient and help achieve great results.
Can I make Chicken Shrimp and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like slicing chicken and shrimp a day ahead to save time. Marinate proteins up to 24 hours for better flavor. Fully cook the dish and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep textures fresh and enjoyable.