This one-pan chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and requires minimal cleanup. The tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and savory sauce make for a satisfying and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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| One-Pan Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry |
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Cook the chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. **Stir-fry the vegetables:** Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. **Make the sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. **Combine and serve:** Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat. Cook for an additional minute until heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
**Precautions:**
* Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
* Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
**Nutritional Value:**
This stir-fry is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The chicken provides protein, while the broccoli and bell peppers are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The sauce adds flavor without being overly high in calories.
**Substitutions:**
* **Protein:** You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, or substitute with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
* **Sauce:** If you don't have honey, you can use brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
**Goes Well With:**
* Steamed rice
* Quinoa
* Noodles
**FAQs:**
* **Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?** Yes, you can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the sauce.
* **Can I freeze this stir-fry?** While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stir-fry after it has cooled completely. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Enjoy this quick, healthy, and delicious one-pan chicken and broccoli stir-fry!**