Light Lively Chicken and Broccoli Stirfry
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Making it happen
- Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry: Here's What You'll Need
- Easy Dinner Recipes Low Calorie : Let's Get Cooking!
- More Tips For Low Calorie Filling Dinners
- Serving Suggestions
- Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
- Light & Lively Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry: Your New Weeknight Hero
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Looking for dinner ideas low calorie that actually taste good? Honestly, I get it! This Light & Lively Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry is packed with flavour and won't leave you feeling guilty.
It's sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy.
Brief Overview
This stir fry is inspired by classic Asian flavours. It is a lighter, healthier take on the usual takeaway. It's a simple recipe, ready in just 25 minutes .
This serves two, perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Main Benefits
Chicken and broccoli? Yeah, it's full of protein! The chicken in this recipe makes it a high protein low cal dinner recipe , which is ideal if you are trying to lose weight and/or building muscle.
It's perfect for busy weeknights, and it's way tastier than any diet food you can imagine.
Making it happen
Want to be able to whip up healthy meals without hours of cooking? Me too! Keep reading!
Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry: Here's What You'll Need
Right, let's get our ingredients together. The shopping list is below
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (10ml)
- 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes (225g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium, if possible) (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (5ml)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Easy Dinner Recipes Low Calorie : Let's Get Cooking!
The method is easy
- First, heat olive oil in a wok. Cook the chicken until browned. Remove from the wok.
- Next, add garlic and ginger to the wok. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Don't burn them!
- Then, add broccoli and red bell pepper. Cook until slightly tender crisp.
- After that, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the wok. Toss to coat with the sauce. Cook until heated through.
- Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Want to make this healthy chicken dinner low calorie ?
Try using low-sodium soy sauce! It makes a big difference.
More Tips For Low Calorie Filling Dinners
- Prep your veggies and sauce beforehand. Stir frying is fast!
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness and spice to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Add a side of steamed edamame. A cucumber salad is a refreshing option.
This dish is very versatile. Get creative and make it yours! Enjoy your easy chicken dinner low calorie
Okay, let's chat about what you need to nail this Light & Lively Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry. Getting all your bits and bobs ready before you start is key.
Trust me, it saves a right old panic later. It is important to have dinner ideas low calorie to support our daily tasks.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Right, let's break down what you'll need to get this sorted. I've tried to keep it simple. So you can find easy dinner recipes low calorie .
Main Ingredients for Your Stir fry Adventure
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons (10ml). Any decent olive oil will do.
- Chicken Breast: 8 ounces (225g), boneless and skinless, cubed. Get good quality chicken, you know? The kind that isn't pumped full of water. Look for labels like "air-chilled" or "organic" for better flavour and texture. These are perfect for high protein low cal dinner recipes .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best.
- Ginger: 1 inch piece, peeled and grated. Fresh ginger gives a great kick.
- Broccoli: 1 head , cut into florets (about 4 cups). Fresh, bright green broccoli is what you're after.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 . Thinly sliced.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml).
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Go for low-sodium to keep things healthy . It will really help if you are looking for healthy chicken dinner low calorie .
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Just a touch for sweetness.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (5g). This will thicken the sauce up nicely.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). If you fancy a bit of a kick.
- Green Onions: 2 tablespoons , chopped, for garnish.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon , for garnish.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs
Soy sauce and rice vinegar are your base. These will help to create low calorie Asian inspired dinners . Ginger and garlic are essential .
Honestly, don't skip them! Red pepper flakes give a nice little zing. You can always add a dash of sriracha if you want more heat.
No worries, you can whip up some easy chicken dinner low calorie .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Wok or Large Skillet: You need something big enough to toss everything about.
- Cutting Board: For chopping, obviously.
- Chef's Knife: A good, sharp knife makes prepping a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is your friend! This will help you keep to those low calorie and healthy weeknight dinners for weight loss .
And that's it! Nothing too fancy, you see? Now you are ready to create some tasty and quick and easy diet dinner recipes .
Light & Lively Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry: Your New Weeknight Hero
Fancy something tasty and won't break the calorie bank? Honestly, you have to try this Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry. It is one of the best dinner ideas low calorie that I know.
This recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavour. Think takeout vibes but totally guilt free.
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential Mise en Place: Before you start, chop 225g chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes. Mince 2 teaspoons of garlic and grate 1 tablespoon of ginger. Cut 4 cups of broccoli into florets and thinly slice 1 red bell pepper.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Mix your sauce in advance! Combine 60ml low-sodium chicken broth, 15ml soy sauce, 15ml rice wine vinegar, 5ml honey, 5g cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Trust me, this cuts down the cooking time massively.
- Safety First: Remember to wash your hands and veggies properly. I'm not your mum, but it's always good to be safe.
Stir Fry Like a Boss: The step-by-step Guide
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a wok over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through , about 5- 7 minutes . Set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds , until fragrant. Don't burn it!
- Add the broccoli and bell pepper. Cook until slightly tender crisp, about 3- 5 minutes .
- Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1- 2 minutes .
- Return the chicken to the wok and toss to coat. Cook until heated through, about 1 minute .
- Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips That Will Change Your Life
- High Heat is Key: Honestly, crank up the heat for that authentic stir fry char.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding = steamed, not stir fried, and that's just sad.
- make-ahead Magic : This is a great recipe when you need low calorie meal prep . Chop all your vegetables the night before to save some serious time on healthy weeknight dinners for weight loss
This light & lively chicken and broccoli stir fry is more than just a recipe; it's a solution for those nights when you need easy dinner recipes low calorie and low calorie filling dinners .
I always had problems finding High Protein Low Cal Dinner Recipes before finding this easy recipe. It's a cracking way to enjoy healthy chicken dinner low calorie and feel good about it.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes
Alright, this is where we get down to the nitty gritty! Think of this section as my little whispers of wisdom from my own trials in the kitchen.
Honestly, I've had my fair share of cooking mishaps, so let's learn from my mistakes, eh? This recipe makes great dinner ideas low calorie .
Get Your Plate On: Serving Suggestions
Ever wondered how to make your food look Instagrammable ? Presentation matters! For this Light & Lively Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry, I'm a big fan of serving it in a nice bowl.
A proper pop of green always does the trick, doesn't it?
Think about using some toasted sesame seeds and a sprig of coriander on top. Fancy, innit? It's also great with brown rice or quinoa.
And don't forget a crisp cucumber salad! That's how to plate high protein low cal dinner recipes.
Store It Like a Pro: Storage Tips
Right, let's talk about leftovers. We’ve all been there! If you’ve got any of this delicious stir fry left, let it cool down first. Then, pop it into an airtight container.
It will happily sit in the fridge for up to three days . When you fancy it again, microwave it until it’s piping hot.
Make sure it's steaming! I would not recommend freezing this as the broccoli can get a bit soggy.
Mix It Up: Variations
Fancy a bit of a change? No worries, this recipe is super flexible! If you're vegetarian, swap the chicken for tofu.
Honestly, it works a treat. Or, if you fancy a bit of spice, a dash of sriracha in the sauce works wonders.
You could also try different veggies. Add some mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots to jazz it up. These easy chicken dinner low calorie options are amazing!
Numbers Game: Nutrition Basics
Right, let's talk numbers. Each serving clocks in at about 300 calories , so it fits perfectly into your healthy weeknight dinners for weight loss .
This also offers about 35 grams of protein! It's a brilliant way to get your protein in without feeling guilty.
You get plenty of fibre and only 8g of sugar. Not bad, eh?
So, there you have it. Some of my favourite tips and tricks. I hope you enjoyed the recipe! It’s all about making those easy dinner recipes low calorie and tasty.
Go on, give it a go. You've got this! Creating a tasty and easy chicken dinner low calorie has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Chicken and Broccoli Stir fry actually good for a "dinner ideas low calorie" meal plan?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be a light and satisfying option. With only around 300 calories per serving, it's packed with protein and fiber to keep you full without piling on the calories. Plus, you're getting a good dose of veggies - a win-win!
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time, or does it need to be cooked fresh?
This stir fry is best served fresh for optimal flavour and texture. However, you can definitely prep the ingredients in advance! Chop the chicken and vegetables, and mix the sauce separately. Then, when you're ready to cook, it all comes together in under 15 minutes.
Think of it as your own personal ready-to-wok meal kit, a bit like a M&S ready meal, but healthier!
What if I don't have all the ingredients on hand? Are there any easy swaps?
No worries! Feel free to get creative. You can swap the red bell pepper for another colour, or use different vegetables like snow peas or mushrooms. If you don't have rice vinegar, white wine vinegar will work in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the taste to your liking!
How long does the stir fry last in the fridge, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the broccoli might lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste great! This is great to save for a lunch option for the next day.
I'm trying to cut down on sodium. What are some low-sodium alternatives I can use in this "dinner ideas low calorie" recipe?
Great question! Using low-sodium soy sauce is a simple way to reduce the sodium content significantly. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth or even water with a touch of chicken bouillon powder (be sure to check the sodium levels on the bouillon!).
Another option is to use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute it has a milder flavour and is naturally lower in sodium.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian, or even vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, simply replace the chicken with firm or extra firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water and cube it before adding it to the stir fry. For a vegan version, ensure your honey or maple syrup is replaced with a vegan alternative sweetener such as agave.
Also be sure that your bouillon if used, is a vegan option.
Light Lively Chicken And Broccoli Stirfry
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |