There is something incredibly comforting about a well-made Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe that brings together vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice in one harmonious meal. This dish is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, offering a wholesome dinner that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing a guest with a simple yet tasty dish, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each item has a role: from the crisp vegetables adding color and crunch, to the juicy chicken providing protein, and the fluffy rice acting as the perfect base that brings it all together.
- 150g chicken breast, sliced: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy meat that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten your plate.
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness and maintains a nice bite after stir-frying.
- 1 tsp olive oil: The healthy fat for cooking that adds richness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Dried herbs or Italian seasoning: These herbs bring warmth and an aromatic depth to the chicken and veggies.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: The foundation of the meal, providing that fluffy, comforting texture everyone loves.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Steamed to a bright green, they bring freshness and a healthy crunch to each plate.
How to Make Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook Fluffy Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents clumping. Combine the rinsed rice with water and a pinch of salt in a pot and bring it to a boil. Then cover and simmer on low for 12 to 15 minutes until the rice is perfectly fluffy and tender. Fluffy rice is the perfect base that absorbs the juicy, flavorful chicken stir-fry.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sliced chicken breast. Cook the strips for 5 to 6 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in the juices and creates a delicious caramelized exterior, making every bite a delight.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and red bell pepper along with the garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet maintain a lovely crispness. This quick cooking keeps the vegetables vibrant and full of flavor without becoming limp.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the stir-fry is coming together, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket set over boiling water for about 4 to 5 minutes. The broccoli should turn a bright green and be tender-crisp. Steamed broccoli not only enhances the dish’s nutritional profile but also adds an inviting freshness and texture contrast to the plate.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
To finish your Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe, serve the savory chicken and veggies alongside a generous scoop of fluffy rice, with the steamed broccoli brightening up the plate. This balance of flavors and textures ensures a satisfying and complete meal every single time.
How to Serve Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh scallions on top. These simple garnishes add a toasty crunch and a pop of vibrant color, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This meal shines on its own, but if you want to expand your spread, consider serving with light miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad to add some coolness and variety alongside your stir-fry and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe in warm lettuce cups or over a bed of quinoa instead of rice. You can also pack it into bento boxes for an excellent meal prep option that tastes just as good the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken stir-fry and steamed broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fluffy rice separate if you want to maintain its texture and avoid it becoming mushy.
Freezing
This Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to the rice to regain moisture and fluffiness. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through and the broccoli still has some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice usually takes longer to cook than white.
Is it necessary to steam the broccoli?
Steaming broccoli keeps it tender yet crisp and preserves its nutrients. You could also lightly sauté or roast it, but steaming is the quickest way to achieve that bright color and fresh flavor.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef strips depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.
What is the best way to keep rice fluffy when reheating?
Adding a teaspoon of water and covering the rice while reheating helps steam it back to a fluffy texture without drying it out.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini to customize the dish to your taste and what’s fresh in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, wholesome, full of color, and hits all the right cravings. Plus, it’s flexible, so you can make it your own every time you cook it. Enjoy creating and savor every bite – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Stir-Fry with Steamed Broccoli & Fluffy Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
A quick and healthy Chicken Stir-Fry featuring tender chicken breast strips, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp carrots, paired perfectly with steamed broccoli and fluffy white rice. This balanced meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 150g chicken breast, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- Water (for cooking rice, approximately 2 cups)
- Salt (to taste, for rice and stir-fry)
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Dried herbs or Italian seasoning (approximately 1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice, about 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for a few minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and red bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle in garlic powder, dried herbs or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir-fry all together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the stir-fry cooks, place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and tender but still retains some crunch.
- Serve: Plate the savory chicken and vegetable stir-fry alongside the fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli for a wholesome and balanced meal.
Notes
- To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Rinsing rice thoroughly helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Adjust garlic powder and herbs according to your taste preferences.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
- Steaming broccoli preserves nutrients better than boiling.
