We’ve always loved how Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipes bring together the best of land and sea in one flavorful stir-fry. This dish combines juicy chicken tender shrimp and crisp broccoli for a quick meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious drawing from simple Asian influences that keep things fresh and exciting.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when we want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Our easy approach ensures you’ll get a balanced protein-packed dinner that satisfies cravings and supports a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
In our Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipes, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly to create a nutritious and flavorful stir-fry. These components are selected for their vibrant tastes and textures, ensuring a protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare. We’ve organized the ingredients in the order they are typically used, with specific measurements and prep notes for accuracy.
Main Proteins
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces (we recommend marinating for 10 minutes in a light soy sauce for enhanced flavor).
- Shrimp: ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (opt for fresh or thawed frozen shrimp to maintain their tender, juicy texture).
Fresh Vegetables
- Broccoli: 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (we suggest blanching briefly in boiling water for 2 minutes to keep them crisp and vibrant green).
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (this aromatic base adds a pungent, savory depth that ties the dish together).
- Onion: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (use a sweet variety for a mild, caramelized contrast).
Sauces and Seasonings
- Soy sauce: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (we prefer this for its umami-rich flavor without overwhelming saltiness).
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (fresh ginger provides a zesty, warming kick that elevates the Asian-inspired profile).
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (this adds a nutty, toasted essence for an authentic finish).
- Optional add-ins: 1 red bell pepper, sliced (if you’re looking to boost color and crunch, add this for extra vitamins).
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Protein (g) | Calories | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 4 oz | 26 | 165 | Lean protein for muscle support |
| Shrimp | 3 oz | 20 | 84 | Low-calorie source of omega-3s |
| Broccoli | 1 cup | 2.5 | 55 | High in fiber and vitamin C |
Instructions
Now that we’ve selected our fresh ingredients like chicken, shrimp, and broccoli, we’re excited to guide you through creating this nutritious Chicken Shrimp Broccoli stir-fry. With these simple steps, we’ll ensure a flavorful, protein-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients for efficiency and safety. Begin by rinsing 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels; then slice them into thin, even strips for quick, even cooking. Next, devein and peel ½ lb of large shrimp, ensuring they’re fresh and ready to absorb the bold flavors of our dish.
For the vegetables, chop 2 cups of broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces to promote crisp-tender texture when stir-fried. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger to release their aromatic essence, and slice 1 medium onion into thin rings for added crunch. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and any optional add-ins like diced red bell pepper to create a savory sauce that ties everything together. This prep sets the stage for a vibrant, mouthwatering stir-fry that highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the earthiness of the broccoli.
Cooking
With our ingredients prepped, let’s move to the stove where the magic happens. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and cook through, releasing a savory aroma that fills the kitchen.
Once the chicken is nearly done, add the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until they turn pink and curl slightly, infusing the pan with their briny sweetness. Toss in the broccoli florets, minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion, continuing to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables brighten and achieve a satisfying crunch, while the garlic’s pungent scent mingles with the ginger’s zesty warmth. Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture and cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to coat everything evenly and create a glossy, flavorful glaze that enhances the dish’s umami depth.
Assembling and Serving
To bring it all together, transfer the cooked mixture to a serving platter and give it a final toss to ensure every bite of chicken, shrimp, and broccoli is perfectly seasoned. For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add visual appeal and a nutty crunch that complements the tender proteins and vibrant greens.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce, letting the combination of juicy shrimp, succulent chicken, and crisp broccoli deliver a balanced, satisfying meal that supports your healthy lifestyle.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our flavorful Chicken Shrimp Broccoli stir-fry efficiently, we recommend gathering these essential tools beforehand. This ensures a smooth process from prep to plating, building on the ingredients and steps we’ve already outlined.
Here’s a detailed list of the key equipment, organized by category for easy reference:
- Cookware:
- Wok or Large Skillet: Our go-to for high-heat stir-frying; it allows even cooking and quick searing of the chicken and shrimp for that authentic, restaurant-quality finish.
- Saucepan or Steamer Basket: Perfect for steaming rice or noodles to serve alongside our dish, keeping everything hot and ready.
- Prep Tools:
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for precisely slicing the chicken breasts and chopping broccoli florets, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface to handle all our vegetable and protein prep safely and efficiently.
- Mixing Bowls: Great for marinating shrimp and combining sauces, helping us keep ingredients organized during assembly.
- Utensils and Accessories:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings to achieve the ideal flavor balance in our recipe.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and tossing ingredients in the wok without damaging the non-stick surface, promoting even cooking.
- Colander: Useful for rinsing and draining shrimp and broccoli, removing excess water to prevent sogginess in the final stir-fry.
By having these items on hand, we make our Chicken Shrimp Broccoli recipes not only quick—under 30 minutes as noted earlier—but also safer and more enjoyable to prepare. Always opt for high-quality tools to enhance your cooking experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipes ahead of time can make weeknight dinners effortless. By prepping key components in advance, we ensure the dish retains its vibrant flavors and textures while saving precious time in the kitchen.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
To streamline the cooking process, we recommend preparing the proteins and vegetables in advance. Start by slicing 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even strips and deveining ½ lb of large shrimp for quick cooking later. For the vegetables, chop 2 cups of broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and slice onions or mince garlic as needed. This step allows the fresh ingredients to stay crisp and ready, enhancing the stir-fry’s appealing crunch and color.
Making and Storing the Sauce
We suggest whipping up the sauce mixture early to let the flavors meld. Combine low-sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl for a savory base that infuses our Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipes with authentic Asian-inspired zest. Once mixed, transfer it to an airtight container.
For optimal storage, follow these guidelines:
- Marinating Proteins: Place the sliced chicken and deveined shrimp in a separate container with a portion of the sauce for marination. This step boosts the dish’s tender texture and rich taste.
- Vegetable Prep: Store chopped broccoli, onions, and any optional add-ins like red bell pepper in sealed bags or containers to preserve their freshness.
To provide clear storage details, we’ve outlined the key information in the table below:
| Item | Make-Ahead Step | Storage Method | Duration (in Refrigerator) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sliced Chicken | Marinate in sauce | Airtight container | Up to 24 hours |
| Deveined Shrimp | Marinate separately | Airtight container | Up to 12 hours |
| Chopped Broccoli | Keep raw and dry | Sealed bag or container | Up to 2 days |
| Sliced Onions/Garlic | Prep and seal | Sealed bag or container | Up to 2 days |
| Sauce Mixture | Fully prepared | Airtight jar or bottle | Up to 3 days |
Reheating and Final Assembly
When you’re ready to cook, we make it simple to finish our Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipes in under 10 minutes. Remove the prepped ingredients from the refrigerator and stir-fry the marinated chicken and shrimp first in a hot wok or skillet for that signature seared flavor. Add the vegetables and sauce, stirring until everything is heated through and the broccoli turns a vivid green. This method ensures the dish delivers its nutritious, protein-packed appeal without compromising on taste or quality.
Conclusion
We’ve explored how Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipes deliver a quick, nutritious delight that fits seamlessly into our hectic routines. It’s a versatile favorite that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
We’re confident this dish will become a staple in your kitchen, inspiring us to experiment with flavors and keep meals exciting. Let’s savor the balance of simplicity and wellness it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Shrimp Broccoli Recipe?
Chicken Shrimp Broccoli is a flavorful stir-fry dish combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and fresh broccoli. Inspired by Asian cuisine, it’s a quick, nutritious meal packed with protein, ideal for busy weeknights. It’s simple to prepare and supports a healthy lifestyle with its fresh ingredients and savory sauces.
What are the key ingredients in Chicken Shrimp Broccoli?
The main ingredients include 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ½ lb large shrimp, 2 cups broccoli florets, minced garlic, sliced onion, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Optional add-ins like red bell pepper add color and crunch. These high-quality components create a vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry.
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Shrimp Broccoli?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total, including prep and cooking. Start with rinsing and slicing ingredients, then stir-fry the chicken and shrimp, add vegetables, and finish with sauce. It’s perfect for quick meals, with make-ahead options to cut time further.
Is Chicken Shrimp Broccoli healthy?
Yes, it’s a nutritious choice, loaded with protein from chicken and shrimp, plus vitamins from broccoli and other veggies. Using fresh ingredients and low-sodium soy sauce keeps it balanced. It supports a healthy lifestyle while being delicious and easy to customize.
Can I make Chicken Shrimp Broccoli ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep chicken, shrimp, and veggies in advance, and make the sauce to let flavors meld. Store marinated proteins and chopped items in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat and finish cooking in under 10 minutes for a fast, fresh meal.
What equipment do I need for Chicken Shrimp Broccoli?
You’ll need a wok or large skillet for stir-frying, a saucepan or steamer basket for rice or noodles, and basic prep tools like a chef’s knife and cutting board. These essentials make the process efficient, safe, and enjoyable for quick preparation.