Ingredients for 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein for this 30 Minute Chicken & Broccoli recipe. Ensures a tender, juicy bite. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Provides crisp texture and vital nutrients. Essential for a balanced and healthy 30 Minute Chicken & Broccoli. Don’t overcook to maintain a vibrant green.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Our cooking fat base for sautéing the chicken and broccoli. Crucial for even cooking and a slight richness. Use extra virgin for a subtle flavor.
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory foundation of our quick stir-fry sauce. It’s the base for that classic umami flavor. Low-sodium helps control overall saltiness.
• ¼ cup chicken broth: Adds liquid to the sauce, preventing it from being too thick. It helps carry flavors and keep everything moist. Use homemade for best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: An essential thickening agent for our glossy, clingy sauce. It ensures the sauce coats every piece of chicken and broccoli beautifully. Mix with cold water first.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with pungent, aromatic depth. A foundational flavor builder for any savory stir-fry. Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note. This aromatic brightens the overall flavor profile. Use a microplane for fine grating.
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup): Balances the savory sauce with a touch of sweetness. It creates a harmonious flavor profile. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a bright, tangy acidity to cut through richness. It’s crucial for a well-rounded and vibrant sauce. Use unseasoned for better control.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A finishing oil that adds a distinct nutty aroma and deep flavor. Drizzle it in at the very end for maximum impact. A little goes a long way.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish. An essential seasoning to bring everything together. Season to taste, especially with low-sodium soy sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle hint of warmth and mild spice. This classic seasoning complements the savory components. Freshly ground pepper is always best.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice. It adds an exciting dimension to the sauce. Adjust quantity to your preference.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted: A beautiful and flavorful garnish that adds a nutty crunch. Perfect for presentation and texture. Toast lightly in a dry pan beforehand.
• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced: Provides a fresh, mild oniony bite and vibrant color. An excellent finishing garnish for freshness and visual appeal. Slice thinly on the bias.

How to Make 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli

Prep Ingredients:

Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and chop fresh broccoli florets. This quick prep is key for a truly 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli meal. Get everything ready before you start cooking for a smooth process.

Whisk Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps later for your 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli.

Sear Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for best browning and tender results.

Cook Broccoli:

Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. A splash of water can help them steam slightly if needed to achieve perfect doneness.

Thicken Sauce:

Give your prepared sauce another quick whisk, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, beautifully coating everything.

Garnish Dish:

Once the sauce has thickened and coated everything beautifully, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor on your 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli.

Serve Warm:

Dish out your delicious 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli immediately. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy your healthy, quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love!

How to Store 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli

To store leftover 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out for too long – a mistake I made once! Discard if it smells off or has a slimy texture.

For make-ahead convenience, chop the chicken and broccoli up to a day in advance. You can also whisk the sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) and keep it separate, adding cornstarch just before cooking. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, avoiding overcooking the broccoli.

What to Serve with 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli

Serve this delicious 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli immediately for the best experience. For a special touch, garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions to make it pop. It pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or a light and refreshing cucumber salad. Enjoy it warm for maximum comfort and flavor.

My personal favorite way to serve this dish is over a generous scoop of brown rice. The nutty flavor of the brown rice beautifully complements the savory sauce, creating a wholesome and incredibly satisfying meal that I always enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute soy sauce in the 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli recipe?

Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. The flavor profile will be similar, but adjust saltiness as needed. I’ve found tamari works best for maintaining the savory depth.

→ How do I prevent dry chicken when making this 30 Minute Chicken & Broccoli?

To prevent dry chicken, ensure your skillet is hot and avoid overcrowding it, cooking in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the chicken, leading to rubbery results—a mistake I learned the hard way!

→ Can I make this quick Chicken And Broccoli recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this Chicken And Broccoli gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How long can I store leftover 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli in the fridge?

Leftover 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always refrigerate promptly; I once left it out too long and regretted it!

→ Can I prepare ingredients for this 30 Minute Chicken And Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ahead! Chop chicken and broccoli up to a day in advance. Whisk the sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) separately and add cornstarch just before cooking for best results.