Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

Whip up this delightful dish of “Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce” for a meal that combines tender chicken and crisp broccoli smothered in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some zest to their weeknight dinner routine. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also fairly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Broccoli: 1 cup of broccoli florets
• Cornstarch: 3 tbsp, divided
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Liquids for Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• Sauce Seasonings:
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• Cooking Oil: 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• Garnish: Sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Prepare Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
   • Toss them in 2 tbsp of cornstarch until well-coated. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the apple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
3. Cook Broccoli:
   • Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add the broccoli florets and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
   • Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook Chicken:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the pan.
   • Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes per side.
   • Remove chicken from the pan.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water to create a slurry.
   • Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat, add back the chicken, and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Final Touches:
   • Add the cooked broccoli and cornstarch slurry to the pan.
   • Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened and everything is thoroughly heated.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish as a garnish.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

This Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce is not only delicious but also a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy your cooking!