Effortless & Healthy: Your Go-To Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for Weeknight Meals and Easy Meal Prep
Life can be hectic, especially when it comes to planning and preparing nutritious meals during busy weekdays. But what if you could have a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner or lunch ready in under 30 minutes? This **Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry** recipe from The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook is precisely that solution. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that promises to become a staple in your meal rotation, offering both convenience and a fantastic taste that the whole family will love.
Discovering Culinary Gems for Busy Families
For the past few months, I’ve been on a mission to not only streamline our family dinners but also to delve deeper into my cherished cookbook collection. This culinary exploration has led me to rediscover old favorites and unearth exciting new recipes that seamlessly fit into our demanding schedule. Among my most trusted resources are two fantastic cookbooks penned by my friend Mary Younkin, the creative force behind the popular Barefeet In The Kitchen blog. Mary’s approach to cooking perfectly aligns with my own – simple, practical, and designed for real families living busy lives. Her recipes are a testament to the idea that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or a pantry full of exotic ingredients.
Many of you might remember Mary’s Cheesy Southwest Beef & Potato Skillet, a recipe I enthusiastically shared a couple of years ago from her first cookbook. To say this dish is a hit in my household would be an understatement; it’s requested OFTEN! My children adore it and have affectionately dubbed it “cheeseburger on a plate,” likely due to the comforting combination of beef, cheese, and potatoes. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create truly memorable family meals.
Mary’s most recent culinary offering, The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook, is every bit as impressive and indispensable as her debut. Her recipes are meticulously written, featuring clear, concise, and incredibly easy-to-follow instructions – so straightforward, in fact, that her own young sons can confidently cook from them. This emphasis on family involvement in the kitchen is something I deeply admire and strive for in my own home. If you follow her on Instagram, you’ll often catch delightful glimpses of her sweet family engaging in these shared cooking experiences, which truly embodies the spirit of her cookbooks.
The Magic of This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This **Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry** was the very first recipe I ventured to try from her new cookbook, and it instantly earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation. Seriously, it’s astonishingly simple to prepare and comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes – a dream for any busy cook. My family devoured it with enthusiasm when I cooked it for dinner, but its quick preparation and robust flavors also make it an absolutely perfect candidate for **meal prep** throughout your week. Imagine having healthy, homemade lunches ready to grab and go, saving you time and ensuring you stick to your wellness goals.
Why Choose Stir Fry for Your Healthy Meals?
Stir-frying is an ancient cooking technique that remains incredibly popular for good reason. It’s a fast, efficient method that preserves the nutrients and vibrant colors of vegetables while ensuring proteins are cooked to perfection. This particular chicken and broccoli stir fry embraces these benefits fully. It’s a versatile dish that allows for easy customization, ensuring it never gets boring. Plus, it typically requires minimal cleanup, often being a one-pan wonder, which is a huge bonus on any busy day!
How to Make This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: Step-by-Step Perfection
Creating this flavorful and healthy stir fry is a straightforward process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time:
- **Building the Flavor Base:** Start by heating a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. This high heat is crucial for achieving that characteristic stir-fry crispness. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of a light-flavored oil (like canola, vegetable, or refined coconut oil) and let it warm for just a few seconds until shimmering. Introduce the thinly sliced onion strips, allowing them to cook for approximately 2 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring it briefly for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Push the cooked garlic and onion to the outside edges of the pan to clear the center for the chicken.
- **Cooking the Chicken to Golden Perfection:** Pour the remaining oil into the now-empty center of the skillet. Add your 2-inch pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred, noting they cook faster). Spread the chicken across the skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking, and generously sprinkle with cornstarch. The cornstarch helps create a light crispness on the chicken and later acts as a thickening agent for the sauce. Cook the chicken without stirring for 2 minutes, allowing it to brown beautifully on one side. Then, using a sturdy metal spatula, lift and flip each piece of chicken, cooking for an additional 1 minute to lightly sear the other side.
- **Crafting the Irresistible Sauce:** While the chicken is browning, quickly whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and chili paste in a small bowl. This blend creates a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and subtly spicy sauce that coats every ingredient. Once the chicken is seared, pour this delicious sauce directly into the skillet, stirring immediately to combine it thoroughly with the chicken and the cooked aromatics.
- **Adding the Vibrant Broccoli & Finishing Touches:** Arrange the bite-sized broccoli florets on top of the other ingredients in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for 2 minutes. This brief steaming ensures the broccoli turns a bright, vibrant green and becomes crisp-tender, retaining its nutritional value and a pleasant bite. Remove the lid and give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits of sauce or meat that might be clinging to the bottom of the skillet. Simmer the mixture for just 1 minute longer, stirring frequently, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly to a glossy consistency. Serve this magnificent stir fry on its own for a low-carb option or, if desired, over a bed of fluffy cooked rice to soak up all that incredible sauce.
With just a trusty skillet and a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can’t beat the simplicity and flavor of this incredible dish!
Beyond the Stir Fry: More Weekday Meal Inspirations
This Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is just one example of the culinary delights found in Mary’s cookbooks. Last week, I also whipped up her Slow Cooker Green Chile Pulled Pork, which proved to be incredibly versatile and fantastic for quick quesadillas or flavorful rice bowls. It’s a perfect example of how her recipes are designed to save time without sacrificing taste. I have so many other recipes marked to try, including her enticing Slow Cooker Nutty Coconut Granola (ideal for busy mornings!) and her creative Taco Rice – all beautifully pictured in the collage below, giving you a glimpse into the diverse and approachable recipes she offers.
Exclusive Cookbook Giveaway: Win Both of Mary’s Amazing Cookbooks!
To celebrate the joy of simple, delicious home cooking, and in addition to sharing this fantastic healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe, we’re thrilled to announce a special giveaway! We’re giving away a copy of Mary’s newest cookbook, The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook, *plus* a bonus copy of her first, equally brilliant cookbook, The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook. These two cookbooks are truly essential resources that I believe will be a wonderful and transformative addition to anyone’s kitchen – especially for busy individuals and families like mine and Mary’s. They are packed with practical, mouth-watering recipes that make meal planning and cooking a breeze. Don’t miss this opportunity to win these culinary gems and elevate your home cooking! See directly below to enter the giveaway. The full recipe for the stir fry follows right after.
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Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Author: Mary Younkin | The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Asian
Quick, easy and healthy! This Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry from The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook is a great addition to your weekday lunch or dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Your Quick Asian Chicken Stir Fry
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients and pantry staples that combine to deliver an authentic and balanced Asian flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role in the texture and taste of the final product.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons light flavored oil or refined coconut oil, divided (for sautéing and searing)
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin (forms a sweet and aromatic base)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (essential for rich flavor)
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces (thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work too!)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch (for light crisping and sauce thickening)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (the savory heart of the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons honey (adds natural sweetness and glaze)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sriracha or gochujang, for a customizable kick)
- 3 cups bite-size broccoli florets (the star vegetable, packed with nutrients)
- Cooked rice for serving (optional, but highly recommended to soak up the delicious sauce)
Instructions for Your Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Heat large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and let it warm for a few seconds. Add the onion strips and let them cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and stir. Push the garlic and onion to the outside of the pan.
- Pour the remaining oil in the center of the skillet. Add the chicken. Spread across the skillet and sprinkle with cornstarch. Cook without stirring for 2 minutes, until browned, and then use a sturdy metal spatula to lift and flip each piece of chicken. Cook for 1 minute.
- While the chicken is cooking, stir together the soy sauce, honey and chili paste. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the broccoli on top of the other ingredients and cover with lid. Cook for 2 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and barely softened. Remove the lid and stir, scraping up any bits of sauce or meat from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer 1 minute to thicken the sauce, stirring frequently. Serve on its own or over rice, if desired.
Notes & Tips for Success: Meal Prep Your Asian Chicken Stir Fry
This **healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry** isn’t just a fantastic dinner; it’s also a dream for meal prepping. You can easily prepare a larger batch and enjoy delicious, healthy lunches throughout the week, saving you time and stress during busy workdays.
- **Meal Prep Perfection:** Store this flavorful stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds up beautifully, making it an ideal choice for healthy lunches. You can store it in one large container and portion it out as needed, or divide it into individual servings for even quicker grab-and-go options.
- **Reheating Instructions:** When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through, or gently warm it on the stove in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
- **Protein Swap:** While boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a rich flavor and remain tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can absolutely be used in their place (I’ve done it when breasts were what I had on hand!). Just be mindful that chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to keep them juicy.
- **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to get creative with your vegetables! Sliced carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions or substitutions. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Looking for More Skillet Meals That Are Great for Make-Ahead Lunches or Dinners?
If you love the convenience and flavor of skillet meals, especially those that lend themselves well to meal prepping, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic recipes that are perfect for busy schedules and delicious weeknight dinners:
Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers: A robust and satisfying dish packed with flavor.
Skillet Lemon Pepper Chicken with Artichokes, Mushrooms and Asparagus: A lighter, fresh, and elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy.
Southwest Chicken Skillet: Another gem from Mary Younkin, full of vibrant Tex-Mex flavors.
Sweet Potato Skillet Tex Mex Style: A hearty and healthy option bursting with savory spices and wholesome ingredients.
These recipes offer diverse flavors and easy preparation, proving that healthy and delicious meals are always within reach, even on the busiest days. Happy cooking!