Name: Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; Salt and pepper to taste

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Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli

Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect blend of flavors and textures. This vibrant meal features tender chicken and crisp broccoli engulfed in a spicy, rich sauce. The combination of ginger and garlic adds a fragrant note, while the soy and oyster sauces bring depth to the dish. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this quick and satisfying recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will enchant your family and friends and elevate your dinner table. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice cook, this step-by-step guide will make creating this dish an unforgettable journey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the most appealing aspects of Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli is its ease of preparation. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can whip up a fantastic meal in under 30 minutes. This dish is incredibly family-friendly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. The bright colors and diverse flavors are sure to please everyone at the dining table. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables, ensuring your loved ones get their daily dose of greens without even realizing it.

Ingredients for Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli:

1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, perfect for stir-frying
3 cups broccoli florets, providing a crunchy and vibrant texture
1 tablespoon ginger, minced for that aromatic kick
2 cloves garlic, minced to enhance the flavor
1/4 cup soy sauce, adding saltiness and umami
2 tablespoons oyster sauce, which gives a depth of flavor
1 tablespoon rice vinegar, adding a touch of tanginess
1 teaspoon sesame oil, for a nutty aroma
1 teaspoon sugar, balancing the flavors superbly
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), adding heat
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, used for thickening the sauce
Salt and pepper to taste, ensuring your dish is perfectly seasoned

Step-by-Step Directions for Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli

Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Once finished, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Broccoli: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, followed by the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re bright green and slightly tender, preserving that essential crunch.
Add Aromatics: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the heavenly fragrance filling your kitchen.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and beautifully coats the chicken and broccoli.
Serving: Serve hot over rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce overflowing with flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. For a healthier option, you can substitute half of the soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even include some fresh chili peppers. To add more veggies, try throwing in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the stir-fry stage. To enhance the dish further, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to provide a satisfying base for the flavorful chicken and broccoli. Consider garnishing with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an elegant touch. For a well-rounded meal, serve with a side of sautéed bok choy or a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors with a refreshing crunch. Lastly, don’t forget a hot bowl of miso soup to complement the dish!

Nutritional Information

This Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli dish offers a balanced meal, with protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and healthy fats from the sesame oil. Each serving is estimated to have around 400-450 calories, depending on the specific brands and quantities used. It’s also a fantastic option for those watching their calorie intake, as it packed with nutrients while being lower in carbohydrates, especially if served with veggies instead of rice.

Storing Tips & Variations for Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge and can be reheated on the stove or microwaved until warmed through. For freezing, place it in a sturdy container, and it can be kept for about two months. Make sure to adjust the cooking time when reheating to maintain the dish’s original texture. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu, each offering a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion for Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli

There’s no better time to experience the delightful flavors of Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli. This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it also brings the family together for a vibrant dining experience. Filled with bold flavors and nutritional goodness, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on this delicious culinary adventure today!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Ensure it is thawed and drained before adding it to the dish.

2. How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness can vary based on how much crushed red pepper flakes you add. Adjust it according to your preference.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just combine them and stir-fry when you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I serve with Szechuan-Style Chicken?
It pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. A light salad on the side can also balance the meal.

5. How do I ensure the chicken is tender?
Slice the chicken against the grain before cooking and avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.

Szechuan-Style Chicken with Broccoli

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dish featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a spicy, rich sauce with ginger and garlic.

Instructions

Cook the chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté the broccoli: In the same pan, add more oil if necessary, then add broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Add the aromatics: Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, add minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Thicken the sauce: Stir in cornstarch mixture and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Substitute low-sodium soy sauce or add more veggies for a healthier option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Chinese