This simple Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make, coming together in just 15 minutes or less, and requires minimal ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. The Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce dish is packed with protein and veggies, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it can be easily divided into individual servings and reheated throughout the week.
This Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made fat-free by using a low-sodium soy sauce and omitting the sesame oil.
why you’ll love this recipe
- This Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce comes together in just 15 minutes or less
- Perfect for busy weeknights or those times when you need a meal in a hurry.
- It uses minimal Ingredients.
- This recipe uses simple, common ingredients.
- This Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli
- This dish is both nutritious and filling, keeping you energized throughout the day.
- This recipe is ideal for meal prep, as it can be easily divided into individual servings and reheated throughout the week, saving you time and effort.
- This meal is naturally gluten-free and low fat.
- You can make this a low sodium recipe by using low-sodium soy sauce.
- There are minimal dishes so the clean up is easy!
- Its better than take out PLUS its HEALTHIER than take out.
ingredients & substitutions
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice, a long-grain variety known for its delicate aroma and slightly sticky texture, serves as the base of this dish, providing a satisfying source of carbohydrates. If you prefer a less sticky texture, you can substitute basmati rice or any other long-grain white rice. I like using instant rice or frozen rice to cut down on prep time for this Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce recipe.
Cooked Plain Chicken
Cooked plain chicken, whether shredded or diced, adds a substantial amount of protein to the dish, making it a complete and balanced meal. You can make your own sauteed or grilled chicken. You can use a rotisserie chicken or even buy pre-made grilled chicken at your local grocery store.
Cooked Broccoli
Cooked broccoli florets bring a vibrant green hue and a boost of fiber to the dish, enhancing its nutritional value and adding a pleasant crunch. If you prefer a different vegetable, you can substitute cooked green beans, asparagus, or snap peas. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli in this Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce recipe.
Gluten free Soy Sauce
Soy sauce, a staple in Asian cuisine, provides a savory umami flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile. If you prefer a less salty option, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce. For a naturally gluten-free alternative, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce, added to taste, brings a touch of heat to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors and adding a hint of spiciness. If you prefer a milder option, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it entirely. For a more complex flavor in this Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce, you can substitute Sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar, used sparingly, adds a subtle sweetness to the dish, rounding out the flavors and balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it entirely. For a healthier alternative, you can substitute honey or maple syrup.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil, with its distinctive nutty aroma, adds a depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience. If you prefer to omit sesame oil, you can simply use vegetable oil or omit it entirely. For a more pronounced sesame flavor, you can add a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce.
taste & texture
ThisChicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce offers a symphony of flavors and textures. The savory soy sauce, balanced with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar, creates a rich base. The hot sauce adds a subtle kick of heat. The tender chicken, infused with the savory sauce, complements the fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious flavors. The crisp-tender broccoli florets provide a refreshing contrast in texture, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.
directions
Step 1
In a large skillet, add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2
While the chicken and broccoli are heating, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
Step 3
Pour the sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Step 4
Once the chicken and broccoli are heated through, add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 5
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. Add optional cashews.
expert tips & tricks
- Use cooked chicken: To save time and effort, use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
- Cook broccoli to perfection: Avoid overcooking the broccoli to preserve its vibrant green color and retain its crisp-tender texture.
- Customize the sauce: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste preference, adding more for a spicier kick or reducing it for a milder flavor.
- Enhance the sesame flavor: For a more pronounced sesame aroma, add a teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the dish along with the sesame oil.
- Garnish the Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the finished dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
how to make this lower carb
To make this Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce low-carb, simply omit the jasmine rice and serve the chicken and broccoli mixture on its own or with a side of brown rice, cauliflower rice or a mixture of both. Cauliflower rice provides a low-carb alternative to traditional rice while maintaining a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
how to make this vegan
To make this Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce vegan, replace the cooked chicken with cooked tofu or tempeh. Tofu and tempeh are plant-based protein sources that can be seasoned and cooked similarly to chicken.
how to serve, store and meal prep
This Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce is best served immediately while still warm. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
The Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce is perfect for meal prep, as it can be easily divided into individual portions and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat as desired.
To save time, you can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and rice in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine the ingredients in a skillet and follow the recipe instructions. This method allows for quick and easy assembly when you’re short on time.
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Chicken and Broccoli in Brown Sauce (gluten free)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups cooked plain chicken shredded or diced
- 1 cup cooked broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup cashews optional
- 1 1/2 cups soy sauce gluten free (or coconut aminos)
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce to taste
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- While the chicken and broccoli are heating, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Once the chicken and broccoli are heated through, add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. Add optional cashews.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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