Category: broccoli

Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is the perfect creamy, crunchy, rich, and flavorful side to go with any meal. It’s my new go-to for parties!

The post Broccoli Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

It’s nearly grilling season, and I need a reliable side dish to bring to parties, family reunions, and barbecues. This broccoli salad is the perfect creamy, crunchy, rich, and flavorful side to go with any meal. It has a great balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and the texture is unbeatable. It’s a fact that if you add bacon to any vegetable dish, even the most discerning meat eaters will give it a try. Baby steps, right?! I love making sure my loved ones eat their vegetables!

overhead view of broccoli salad in a white bowl.

What Is Broccoli Salad?

Broccoli salad is a classic side dish made from broccoli florets tossed with cheddar cheese, raisins, bacon, walnuts, and red onion, coated in a creamy and tangy dressing. This salad has a wonderful balance of flavors and textures and is so versatile!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make broccoli salad:

  • Broccoli: Has an earthy and slightly sweet, slightly bitter flavor, as well as a delightful crunch!
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy and salty component to the salad.
  • Raisins: Add a pop of sweet and fruity flavor.
  • Bacon: Adds a great savory and umami flavor. You’ll need 6 strips of cooked bacon. Vegetarian? No problem, just leave it out. Sometimes I put the bacon on the side for gatherings where there might be varied dietary restrictions.
  • Walnuts: Add a nutty flavor and delicious crunch.
  • Red Onion: Adds a bit of bite to the recipe and a wonderful crunchy texture, creating a great contrast to the sweet and chewy raisins.
  • Mayo: Adds richness and creaminess to the dressing.
  • Greek Yogurt: Makes the dressing extra creamy and tangy with fewer calories and fat than sour cream. I highly recommend Greek yogurt over plain yogurt or sour cream for its thicker, creamy texture.
  • White Vinegar: Adds a refreshing brightness and tanginess to the dressing to balance the richness.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the vinegar.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

Should I Blanch The Broccoli?

In testing, I preferred the final texture of raw broccoli over blanched, but you certainly can blanch the broccoli if you prefer. The blanching process takes out some of the natural bitter flavor from the broccoli; simply drop the florets in a large pot of salted boiling water for 1 minute, then quickly shock in a bowl of ice water. Instead, I opted to simply rinse my broccoli florets in hot water to make them extra bright green and make sure they were nice and clean.

Top Tip

To keep your broccoli salad from turning out watery, make sure to thoroughly dry the florets. The salt in the dressing will naturally draw out some of the moisture from the veggies, so making sure they are dry after washing them is an important step! I like to spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry with another towel laid on top while I prep the rest of my ingredients.

What To Serve with Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is such a fresh and crunchy dish with a ton of flavor, so I suggest pairing it with simple proteins, like air fryer chicken breast or glazed pork chops.

close up of broccoli salad on a white plate.
overhead view of broccoli salad in a white bowl.
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Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is the perfect creamy, crunchy, rich, and flavorful side to go with any meal. It's my new go-to for potlucks!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($5.79 recipe / $0.96 serving)
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 (about 1 cup each)
Calories 305kcal
Author Jess – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Broccoli Salad

  • 1 large broccoli crown, separated into florets (about 4 cups) $1.10
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese $1.24
  • 1/4 cup raisins $0.39
  • 6 strips bacon $0.90
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, crushed $0.80
  • 1/4 red onion, diced into small pieces $0.21

Broccoli Salad Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayo $0.75
  • 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt $0.21
  • 1 Tbsp white vinegar $0.04
  • 1 Tbsp sugar $0.05
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt $0.05
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper $0.05

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon until crispy. Let cool on clean paper towel-lined plate. Chop into bite sized bits and set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine mayo, Greek yogurt, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together and set dressing aside.
  • Cut broccoli into florets, shred the cheddar cheese, gather raisins, crumble bacon, crush walnuts, and dice red onion.
  • Combine salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
  • Pour the dressing over broccoli salad and toss together until completely coated. Serve immediately, or let it marinate and get extra yummy in the fridge for up to 5 days!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 477mg | Fiber: 1g
overhead view of broccoli salad in a white bowl.

how to make Broccoli Salad – step by step photos

ingredients for salad dressing in a white bowl.

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp white vinegar, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.

creamy dressing in a white bowl.

Whisk together and set dressing aside.

overhead view of ingredients for broccoli salad on a wooden cutting board.

Cut 1 large crown of broccoli into florets, shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese, gather 1/4 cup of raisins, crumble 6 strips of crispy bacon, crush 1/4 cup walnuts, and dice 1/4 of a red onion.

ingredients for broccoli salad in a white bowl.

Combine salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.

broccoli salad in a white bowl.

Pour the dressing over broccoli salad and toss together until completely coated. Serve immediately, or let it marinate and get extra yummy in the fridge for up to 5 days!

The post Broccoli Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a classic salad and a popular side dish for parties, potlucks, and cookouts. I mean, is it even a party if no one brings broccoli salad? And I know broccoli salad doesn’t sound that exciting, but I am telling you, this salad is …

Broccoli salad is a classic salad and a popular side dish for parties, potlucks, and cookouts. I mean, is it even a party if no one brings broccoli salad? And I know broccoli salad doesn’t sound that exciting, but I am telling you, this salad is always a crowd pleaser. So even if you don’t…

Simple Sauteed Broccoli

Make your broccoli taste amazing in just 10 minutes! This easy sauteed broccoli highlights its fresh flavor and comes out…

Make your broccoli taste amazing in just 10 minutes! This easy sauteed broccoli highlights its fresh flavor and comes out perfectly crisp tender.

Sauteed broccoli in pan.

In need of a healthy and easy side dish? Here’s a “recipe” that’s more of an idea than anything: sauteed broccoli! It might sound basic, but you’ll be surprised at the amount of flavor it’s possible to get from perfectly cooking this vegetable!

Why we love this recipe: Broccoli is often overcooked, leaving it soggy and without flavor. Here Alex and I will show you our go-to simple sauteed broccoli recipe: how to cook it so it’s lightly browned but perfectly crisp tender and flavorful!

🥦 Other favorite ways to cook broccoli? Try our steamed broccoli, roasted broccoli, and roasted broccoli and carrots recipes, or head to How to Cook Broccoli for more!

Sauteed Broccoli in pan with spoon.

How to make sauteed broccoli…the right way!

Broccoli is basic, right? But so many home cooks cook it way beyond the point of no return. Overcooked broccoli is the worst: it’s limp and lifeless. Instead, you’ll want to cook it just to the point where it’s tender, but still bright green and crisp. Even better: it takes less time! There’s no reason to spend the time extra overcooking it (ha!). Here are our tips on how to make the best sauteed broccoli:

Step 1: Chop the broccoli into florets.

Step 1: Chop into medium-sized florets. Try to leave a good amount of the stem to make a lovely shape, so the broccoli doesn’t look stubby! Chop them into medium-sized pieces: not so small they disintegrate, but not so large they’re too tough to cut.

Step 2: Saute the broccoli in a large skillet.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes. Watch the pan and stir so the broccoli doesn’t get too browned. Stir in the seasonings (salt, spices, etc).

Step 3: Cover the broccoli and steam.

Step 3: Cover and cook 2 minutes more. Covering the broccoli at the end locks in the moisture and steams it, helping it to get fully cooked through and tender instead of more browned.

And that’s it! Perfectly seasoned sauteed broccoli in just 10 minutes.

Ways to season sauteed broccoli

The key to great tasting sauteed broccoli is the seasonings! First and foremost, make sure to salt it perfectly to taste. Then to accessorize, we used sliced green onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder (see the recipe below). If you have a lemon, topping with lemon zest gives it the perfect zing! Here are a few more ideas for flavoring:

  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Feta cheese or goat cheese crumbles
  • Rice vinegar, soy sauce (in place of the last ¼ teaspoon salt), and sesame seeds
  • A drizzle of balsamic reduction
  • Slivered toasted almonds
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Panko and dried herbs

A bit on broccoli nutrition

Broccoli is a super nutritious cruciferous vegetable! It’s high in fiber (with 2.4 grams per 1 cup), which is helpful for keeping you full and helping with digestion. It also has relatively high protein for a vegetable (2.5 grams per 1 cup), and is high in Vitamin C, K and iron. Read more broccoli nutrition facts here.

Main dishes to pair with it!

Of course, there’s no end to dishes to pair with this sauteed broccoli! It’s so versatile that it literally goes with anything (like a perfect pair of jeans!). Here are a few ideas for mains that would pair nicely:

Dietary notes

This sauteed broccoli recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best type of broccoli for sauteing?

Fresh broccoli florets are ideal. Look for firm, deep green florets with tight buds. Avoid broccoli with yellowing florets or a mushy texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

We don’t recommend it. Frozen broccoli florets have a softer texture and may release more water during cooking.

Steamed or sautéed? What’s the difference?

Steaming broccoli preserves its vibrant green color and slightly more nutrients. Sautéing allows for browning and caramelization, developing a deeper and more complex flavor.

Do I need to blanch broccoli before sauteing?

Blanching (briefly boiling) broccoli florets for a minute or two before sauteing can help soften them slightly and ensure even cooking. However, it’s not essential, especially if you prefer your broccoli with a bit of a bite.

What can I add to my sauteed broccoli for extra flavor?

The possibilities are endless! Popular additions include garlic, shallots, ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, lemon juice, toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

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Sauteed broccoli

Simple Sauteed Broccoli

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4
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Description

Make your broccoli taste amazing in just 10 minutes! This easy sauteed broccoli highlights its fresh flavor and comes out perfectly crisp tender.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds (2 large heads) broccoli 
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Dress it up: Add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese or feta cheese!

Instructions

  1. Chop the broccoli into medium sized florets (leave a good amount of the stem for a nice shape; see the photo). Thinly slice the green onions.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (the broccoli will lightly brown in parts). Stir in the green onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
  3. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until crisp tender but still bright green. Taste and add a few pinches of salt if needed (make the flavor pop!) and fresh ground pepper. Remove the broccoli to a bowl and serve immediately. Sprinkle with the lemon zest, if using.
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Sauteed
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Keywords: Sauteed Broccoli

How to Steam Vegetables

Here’s how to steam vegetables to get them on the table fast! Use this method to avoid soggy and bland…

Here’s how to steam vegetables to get them on the table fast! Use this method to avoid soggy and bland veggies: here they turn out crisp tender and delicious every time.

How to steam vegetables: steamed broccoli in steamer

Want to steam vegetables? We’re here to help! Steaming one of the quickest vegetable cooking methods there is. It also has a bad rap, since if not done properly it can result in overcooked, bland, and soggy veggies.

But guess what? If you cook them until crisp tender and season them correctly, the veggies come out delicious every time! Here’s our master method for how to steam vegetables: the right way.

Vegetable steaming methods

First, you have a specific vegetable in mind, we’ve got several specific recipes for you. Pick from one of the methods below:

Steamed Green BeansSteamed Green BeansSteamed cauliflowerSteamed CauliflowerSteamed broccoliSteamed BroccoliSteamed carrotsSteamed CarrotsSteamed PotatoesSteamed PotatoesSteamed asparagus in bowl with lemon.Steamed AsparagusSteamed sweet potatoesSteamed Sweet PotatoesSteamed Brussels SproutsSteamed Brussels SproutsSteamed Cabbage RecipeSteamed Cabbage

Gear required for steaming

You’ll need a steamer basket or steamer pan to make this recipe. Here’s a steamer basket you can buy online that works for any pan you have. In these photos, you’ll see we used a skillet with a custom steamer basket. It’s an option too, but not required for steaming!

How to steam vegetables: a tutorial

The most important thing to remember when steaming vegetables: don’t be tempted to overcook them. Steam the vegetables until they’re crisp tender. You’ll need to be ready to taste test, fork in hand! Cooking vegetables even a few minutes past the right timing makes them go from bright and crisp to faded and mushy. Here’s how to steam vegetables using a steamer basket:

Step 1: Chopping vegetables.

Step 1: Chop the vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces, which helps them to cook evenly. The thicker the vegetable, the longer it will take to cook. (This is important for hard vegetables like carrots: the smaller the pieces, the shorter the cook time.)

Step 2: Steaming vegetables in steamer basket.

Step 2: Add 1 inch water to the bottom of the saucepan or pot, then place the steamer basket in the pot. The surface of the water should be just under the basket. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the vegetables to the basket and cover with a lid.

Step 3: Taste testing steamed vegetables.

Step 3: Cook covered, until just tender when pricked with a fork. As a rule of thumb, broccoli takes 3 to 5 minutes, green beans and carrots 4 to 5 minutes, and cauliflower 10 to 12 minutes. (See the Vegetable Timing Chart below.) Taste test to be sure; the exact cook time varies based on the thickness and maturity of the vegetable.

Step 4: Carefully remove the veggies to a bowl, then toss with a bit of olive oil or butter and kosher salt. If you’d like, add flavor by using fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, feta cheese crumbles, or other spices.

Vegetable timing chart

Each vegetable takes a different amount of time to steam. Here is a chart with the approximate timing for common vegetables:

  • Asparagus: 2 to 5 minutes
  • Broccoli: 3 to 5 minutes
  • Green Beans: 4 to 5 minutes
  • Carrots: 4 to 5 minutes, depending on how thick you cut them
  • Brussels sprouts: 6 to 7 minutes
  • Cabbage: 7 to 10 minutes
  • Cauliflower: 10 to 12 minutes
  • Baby potatoes: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Sweet potatoes: 25 to 35 minutes (halved, shorter for diced)
Steamed broccoli

More side dish ideas

Steaming vegetables is a fantastic way to make them into a quick and easy side dish! Here are a few more of our favorite side dish resources:

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between steaming and boiling vegetables?

Steaming uses steam to cook vegetables, preserving more nutrients and their vibrant colors compared to boiling. Boiling vegetables can leach out vitamins and minerals into the water.

Do I need a fancy steamer?

No! You can easily steam vegetables at home with basic kitchen equipment. A pot with a lid and a steamer basket or colander that fits snugly inside will do the trick.

What’s the best way to cut vegetables for steaming?

Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This ensures all pieces cook through at the same time.

How much water do I need for steaming?

You only need a small amount of water – about 1-2 inches – in the bottom of the pot. The vegetables steam from the rising steam, not by being submerged in water.

How long does it take to steam vegetables?

Cooking time depends on the type and thickness of the vegetables. Tender vegetables like asparagus or green beans will cook in just a few minutes, while denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes will take longer. See the Vegetable Timing Chart above!

How can I tell if my vegetables are done?

The vegetables should be tender-crisp, with a slight bite when pierced with a fork.

Can I steam frozen vegetables?

You can, but keep in mind the vegetables will come out with a soft texture. Shorten the cook time by a few minutes and taste test to assess doneness.

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Steamed broccoli

How to Steam Vegetables

★★★★★

5 from 1 review
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 minute
  • Yield: Varies
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to steam vegetables to get them on the table fast! Use this method to avoid soggy and bland veggies: here they turn out crisp tender and delicious every time.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable of your choice (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, carrots)
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Chop: Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces.
  2. Boil water: Place about 1 inch of water in a pot or saucepan. If using a steamer basket without a handle, add it to the pot now: the water surface should be right under the basket. Bring the water to a boil.
  3. Steam: Once boiling, add the vegetables (in the steamer basket, if it has a handle). Steam with the lid on until crisp tender, taste testing with a fork to assess doneness. Make sure not to overcook! Set a timer and taste at the low end of the timing. Use a guide of: 3 to 5 minutes for asparagus and broccoli, 4 to 5 minutes for carrots and green beans, 6 to 7 minutes for Brussels sprouts, 7 to 10 minutes for shredded cabbage, 10 to 12 minutes for cauliflower, 10 to 15 minutes for baby potatoes, and 25 to 35 minutes for halved sweet potatoes. 
  4. Season: Carefully remove the vegetables to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’d like, add other flavors like dried or fresh herbs, spices, fresh lemon juice, or chopped herbs. 
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Steamed
  • Cuisine: Vegetables

Keywords: How to Steam Vegetables

Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas

These vegetarian enchiladas are a hearty and satisfying dinner. Make them on a weeknight and you’ll enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. Or make it on…

The post Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

vegetarian enchiladas recipe

These vegetarian enchiladas are a hearty and satisfying dinner. Make them on a weeknight and you’ll enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. Or make it on the weekend and invite friends over to make a party out of it! You could make a double batch and freeze the extras—you’ll find freezing instructions below.

You’ll love the fresh filling in these enchiladas, made of sautéed bell pepper, broccoli, onion, spinach, black beans and warming spices. These enchiladas are nicely cheesy, but not overwhelmingly cheesy like many restaurants make them.

vegetarian enchilada ingredients

This enchilada recipe has become quite popular since I published it nearly eight years ago. I used my spinach artichoke enchiladas as a blueprint and covered them with my go-to homemade enchilada sauce, of course. They’re just fantastic and I hope you’ll give them a try, if you haven’t already.

If you’ve never made enchiladas before, you can do it! You’ll find a detailed recipe, step-by-step photos, and an instructional video below.

Continue to the recipe...

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Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is classic comfort food. We love making baked mac and cheese and stovetop mac and cheese, but we also love this easy Broccoli Mac and Cheese. The addition broccoli is SO good, broccoli and cheese are a match made in heaven…if you&#…

Mac and cheese is classic comfort food. We love making baked mac and cheese and stovetop mac and cheese, but we also love this easy Broccoli Mac and Cheese. The addition broccoli is SO good, broccoli and cheese are a match made in heaven…if you’ve made Broccoli Cheese Soup, you know it’s true! I love…

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)

Welcome to another minimal effort, BIG flavor dish! This quicker-than-takeout sesame tofu is baked to crispy perfection and coated in a drool-worthy, sweet + spicy + garlicky sauce. It might have you questioning whether you’ll ever be ordering takeout …

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!)

Welcome to another minimal effort, BIG flavor dish! This quicker-than-takeout sesame tofu is baked to crispy perfection and coated in a drool-worthy, sweet + spicy + garlicky sauce. It might have you questioning whether you’ll ever be ordering takeout again!

Pair with rice and steamed veggies for a simple, 30-minute meal that’s vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened. Let’s make it!

Recipe Inspiration

This recipe is inspired by Sesame Chicken, which is commonly found in Chinese restaurants in the US and Canada (source).

Spicy Garlicky Sesame Tofu (30 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →

Cheesy Smashed Broccoli

Here’s a fun take on roasted broccoli! Regular roasted broccoli is forever and always one of my go-to side dishes, but this cheesy smashed broccoli recipe takes…

The post Cheesy Smashed Broccoli appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

smashed broccoli recipe

Here’s a fun take on roasted broccoli! Regular roasted broccoli is forever and always one of my go-to side dishes, but this cheesy smashed broccoli recipe takes it up a few notches. It’s slightly more involved, naturally, but it’s not too fussy.

Basically, we roast the broccoli until tender, smash it, top it with Parmesan cheese, and bake it for a few more minutes. The broccoli is tender, craggy and golden with crispy bits around the edges where the cheese meets the pan. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional) and a squeeze of lemon juice really ramp up the flavor.

smashed broccoli ingredients

The results are not super crisp like French fries, but they’re nearly French fry-like in irresistibility. I have to stop myself before I eat the whole batch!

If you are a broccoli lover, this recipe is most certainly for you. If you have any broccoli-averse members in the household, this recipe might win them over. Serve it with dinner tonight?

Continue to the recipe...

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Chicken Stir Fry

This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is perfect for a quick & easy dinner meal. It has lots of chicken and veggies and a super delicious stir-fry sauce!

The post Chicken Stir Fry appeared first on Budget Bytes.

We’re taking the stress out of worrying about “what’s for dinner” this week and making this quick and easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe. It includes lots of chicken, tons of veggies, and THEE best sweet and savory stir fry sauce! It’s also perfect for using up vegetables that you already have on hand in your fridge or freezer. Not only is it great to add to your weekly dinner rotation, but it also makes a lot, so it’s perfect for meal prep! #winning

Overhead view of chicken stir fry in a large skillet with sliced green onions on the side.

Why I Love Stir Fry Recipes

I make stir fry recipes quite often because it helps take away the mental stress of worrying about what to cook for dinner. They’re quick, easy to make, and super versatile so you can always switch things up. Just pick your favorite protein, a mix of vegetables, make a yummy stir fry sauce, and dinner is ready in about 30 minutes!

Ingredients For Chicken Stir Fry

Here’s what we used to make this easy chicken stir fry recipe:

  • Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but if your budget is tight, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
  • Vegetables: This is where you can really be flexible. I used a combination of broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and onion for this stir fry. But feel free to choose different vegetables based on your budget, what’s in season, or what’s in your fridge. Sometimes I’ll use just one or two vegetables because that’s what I currently have on hand. Some other great veggie options are green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, snap peas, or different color bell peppers. 
  • Stir Fry Sauce: A good stir fry sauce will definitely bring the entire dish together. I used our same stir fry sauce from our Vegetable Stir Fry recipe as a base, because it’s sooo good, increased the measurements slightly to make it extra saucy, and added a touch of sriracha sauce for just a little kick!

Stir-Fry Recipe Tips

  1. Make the stir fry sauce first. Stir fry recipes cook fast, so you want the sauce to be ready when it’s time to add it to the skillet.
  2. Use a big wok or very large skillet. In order for all of the chicken and vegetables to fit in the skillet with enough space to cook fairly evenly, you’ll want to use a big wok or large skillet. We used a 12-inch skillet for this recipe. 
  3. Don’t overcook the vegetables. You want the vegetables to just be tender-crisp and vibrantly colored. You can always cook them a little longer once the sauce is added at the end, but if you cook them too long in the first steps you’ll end up with limp vegetables that are a drab color.

What To Serve With Chicken Stir Fry

You can easily serve this chicken stir fry with a side of brown or white rice or give our Coconut Rice a try! And if you really want the full take-out experience, whip up some of our Vegetable Fried Rice to serve on the side.

Storing Leftovers

This chicken stir fry recipe stores very well in the fridge and works great for meal prep! You can make it on Sunday, divide it into equal portions, then store in meal prep containers along with your rice. This dish will stay good in the refrigerator for about four days.

Overhead view of a plate of chicken stir fry with white rice and a fork serving some out.
Overhead view of chicken stir fry in a large skillet with sliced green onions on the side.
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Chicken Stir Fry

This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is perfect for a quick & easy dinner meal. It has lots of chicken and veggies and a super delicious stir-fry sauce!
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Asian
Total Cost $10.55 recipe / $1.76 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 (about 1 cup each)
Calories 198kcal
Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

Stir Fry Sauce

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce $0.44
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar $0.12
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil $0.20
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.16
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger $0.20
  • 1.5 Tbsp cornstarch $0.08
  • 1/3 cup water $0.00
  • 1 tsp sriracha $0.05

Stir Fry

  • 3/4 lb. broccoli 1.75
  • 2 carrots $0.31
  • 1 red bell pepper $1.33
  • 1 small onion $0.32
  • 2 green onions $0.22
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb. total) $5.25
  • 3 Tbsp cooking oil, divided $0.12

Instructions

  • Start by making the stir fry sauce. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sriracha, cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
  • Chop the broccoli into small florets. Slice the red bell pepper, onion, and carrots into similar sized pieces. Slice the green onions. Set all the vegetables aside.
  • Next, cut the chicken breasts into small 1/2 inch sized pieces.
  • Heat a very large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of cooking oil along with the carrots and broccoli. Cook and stir for one minute, or just until the broccoli begins to turn bright green.
  • Next, add the red bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 more minutes.
  • Give the stir fry sauce another brief stir. Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Give everything a stir and allow the sauce to come up to a simmer, at which point it will start to thicken and turn glossy. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes or until it has reached your desired doneness.
  • Remove the chicken stir fry from the heat, top with green onions and sesame seeds (optional) and serve!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 819mg | Fiber: 3g
Side close up view of chicken stir fry in a skillet.

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry – Step by Step Photos

Chicken Stir Fry Sauce in a small bowl.

Start by making the stir fry sauce. Combine the 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp sriracha, 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch and 1/3 cup water in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.

Chicken Stir Fry vegetables chopped on a cutting board.

Chop 3/4 lb. of broccoli into small florets. Slice 1 red bell pepper, 1 small yellow onion, and 2 carrots into similar sized pieces. Slice 2 green onions. Set the vegetables aside.

Chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces on a cutting board.

Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small 1/2 inch sized pieces.

Cooked chicken breast pieces in a skillet.

Heat a very large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Once chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet onto a separate plate and set aside.

Broccoli and carrots being sautéed in a skillet.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of cooking oil along with the carrots and broccoli. Cook and stir for one minute, or just until the broccoli begins to turn bright green.

Peppers and onions added to a skillet with broccoli and carrots.

Next, add the red bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 more minutes.

Cooked chicken and stir fry sauce being added to vegetables in a skillet.

Give the stir fry sauce another brief stir. Now add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, then pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Give everything a stir and allow the sauce to come up to a simmer, at which point it will start to thicken and turn glossy. Continue to cook for 1-2 more minutes or until it has reached your desired doneness.

Finished chicken stir fry in a skillet.

Remove the chicken stir fry from the heat, top with green onions and sesame seeds (optional) and dinner is served!

Chicken stir fry on a plate with white rice and a fork serving some out.

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