Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

This Sesame Chicken with broccoli is a quick and flavorful stir-fry made with tender chicken thighs, crisp broccoli, and a savory sesame sauce with a touch of sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sesame Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry brings together the perfect combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a delicious, savory sesame sauce. The sauce is both sweet and savory, featuring a balance of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a rich, aromatic flavor. With minimal prep time and quick cooking, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that feels like takeout—without leaving the house!

Ingredients

Stir Fry Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil)

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup low sodium chicken stock (or chicken broth, or water)

Serve With (Optional):

• Cooked white or brown rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the stir fry sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Cook the chicken:

2. Heat the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.

3. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the wok and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the vegetables:

4. In the same skillet, add the broccoli, green onions, grated ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the sauce:

5. Pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Add the chicken stock and stir well until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Serve:

6. Serve the sesame chicken and broccoli over cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the stir-fry for some heat.

• Add Veggies: Toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

• Substitute the Chicken: You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, beef, shrimp, or even tofu as a protein option.

• Vegan Option: Use tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute and make sure to choose a vegan oyster sauce or substitute it with hoisin sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to keep the dish moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more tender and juicy. If using breasts, cook them slightly less to avoid drying them out.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the stir-fry or stir in some chili paste to make it spicy.

3. Can I substitute the cornstarch?

Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli works best for this dish, but you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir fry sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

6. Can I add nuts to this dish?

Yes, toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts make a great addition to this stir-fry for extra texture and flavor.

7. Can I make this dish without sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, though it will lose the signature nutty flavor of sesame oil.

8. Can I use another type of sauce instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or even soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a different protein option.

10. How can I make this dish lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, low-sodium chicken broth, and reduce the amount of oyster sauce for a lower-sodium version.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and delicious stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-style food at home. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet sesame sauce, this dish is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. Serve it with rice for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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