In the whirlwind of modern life, finding meals that are not only quick and easy but also genuinely healthy can feel like a culinary quest. Look no further! This incredible Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, inspired by Mary Younkin’s phenomenal The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook, is a perfect solution. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish designed to seamlessly integrate into your busy weekday lunch or dinner rotation, making healthy eating both achievable and enjoyable.

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Mastering Weekday Meals with Mary Younkin’s Wisdom

For months, I’ve committed to a more structured approach to meal planning, not just for dinners but also for lunches. This journey has led me back to my cherished cookbook collection, where I continually seek out fresh inspiration. Among my most treasured resources are the cookbooks from my dear friend, Mary Younkin, the creative force behind the Barefeet In The Kitchen blog. Mary’s philosophy on cooking aligns perfectly with mine: simple, flavorful, and incredibly practical for a bustling family life.

A couple of years ago, I introduced you to Mary’s unforgettable Cheesy Southwest Beef & Potato Skillet from her first cookbook. To say it’s a family favorite would be an understatement; it’s a dish frequently requested in my home. My children, captivated by its savory blend of beef, cheese, and potatoes, affectionately refer to it as “cheeseburger on a plate.” It’s a testament to Mary’s ability to craft recipes that resonate with everyone, young and old.

Her latest culinary masterpiece, The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook, is every bit as exceptional as her debut. Mary excels at writing recipes with such clarity and ease that even her young sons can confidently follow them. This commitment to involving her family in the kitchen—a glimpse of which you can often catch if you follow her on Instagram—is truly inspiring. It underscores her belief that cooking should be an accessible and enjoyable activity for all.

Why This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Will Become Your New Go-To

This Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry was the inaugural recipe I tested from Mary’s new cookbook, and it instantly earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation. It’s remarkably simple, coming together in under 30 minutes, and my family absolutely adored it. While I prepared it for dinner, its efficiency and nutritional profile make it an ideal candidate for meal prepping lunches throughout the week. Imagine having a wholesome, homemade meal ready to go, saving you time and ensuring you stick to your healthy eating goals.

What makes this dish a standout? Its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice, coupled with lean protein and vibrant vegetables. It’s not just a meal; it’s a commitment to nourishing your body without sacrificing precious time or flavor. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

How to Make a Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful stir fry requires minimal effort and basic kitchen tools, primarily just one skillet. Below is a detailed breakdown of the process, ensuring a perfect stir fry every time.

Rated: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews

Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Author: Mary Younkin | The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4-5 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Asian

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This Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or for prepping ahead for delicious weekday lunches!

Ingredients for Your Healthy Stir Fry

1 1/2 tablespoons light-flavored oil or refined coconut oil, divided
1 medium onion, sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces (or chicken breast, see notes)
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to your spice preference)
3 cups bite-size broccoli florets
Cooked rice for serving (optional, brown rice recommended for extra health benefits)

Detailed Instructions for the Perfect Stir Fry

Prepare Aromatics: Heat a large, sturdy stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of your chosen oil and let it shimmer for a few seconds. Introduce the thin onion strips and sauté them for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Push the cooked garlic and onion to the outer edges of the pan, clearing the center for the chicken.
Sear the Chicken: Pour the remaining oil into the now-empty center of the skillet. Add the chicken pieces, spreading them across the skillet in a single layer if possible. Evenly sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken. Cook the chicken without stirring for 2 minutes; this crucial step allows it to brown beautifully and develop a delicious crust. Then, using a sturdy metal spatula, lift and flip each piece to cook the other side for an additional 1 minute. The chicken should be mostly cooked through with a nice golden hue.
Whisk the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, in a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and chili paste. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory soy, while the chili paste brings a gentle warmth (feel free to adjust to your desired spice level). Once the chicken is ready, pour this luscious sauce directly into the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly. The sauce will immediately begin to coat the chicken and aromatics.
Add Broccoli & Thicken Sauce: Finally, add the bite-size broccoli florets on top of the other ingredients. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for 2 minutes. This brief cooking time will ensure the broccoli turns a vibrant green and is tender-crisp, retaining its nutritional value. Remove the lid, stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any delicious bits of sauce or meat that might have adhered to the bottom of the skillet. Let the stir fry simmer for 1 more minute, stirring frequently, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve immediately on its own, or for a more complete meal, over a bed of fluffy brown rice.

Chef’s Notes & Meal Prep Tips

Meal Prep Perfection: This stir fry is a meal prep superstar! Once cooked, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can store it in one large container and portion it out as needed, or divide it into individual servings for grab-and-go convenience. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Chicken Choice: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy tenderness and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can absolutely be used as a leaner alternative (as I often do when it’s what I have on hand!). Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster, so monitor them carefully to avoid overcooking and ensure they remain tender.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your stir fry with other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Add them along with the broccoli or earlier if they require more cooking time.

Spice Level: The amount of chili paste can be adjusted to your family’s preference. For less heat, reduce or omit it. For more kick, don’t hesitate to add a little extra!

Beyond Stir Fry: Exploring More Skillet Meals for Convenient Eating

My culinary adventures with Mary’s cookbooks haven’t stopped at this amazing stir fry. Last week, I also whipped up her Slow Cooker Green Chile Pulled Pork, which was incredibly versatile, perfect for quick quesadillas or hearty rice bowls. There are countless other recipes I’ve eagerly bookmarked, including her Slow Cooker Nutty Coconut Granola and Taco Rice, both of which promise to be equally delightful additions to our family’s menu. Mary’s approach truly transforms everyday cooking into an exciting and manageable endeavor.

Exclusive Cookbook Giveaway!

To celebrate the joy of effortless, delicious home cooking, we are thrilled to offer an exclusive giveaway! Not only will one lucky winner receive a copy of Mary’s newest cookbook, The Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook, but they’ll also get a bonus copy of her foundational work, The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook. These two cookbooks are invaluable resources for any kitchen, particularly for busy families striving to put healthy, homemade meals on the table with minimal fuss. They are genuine culinary treasures that simplify mealtime planning and execution. Keep an eye on our social media channels for details on how to enter and win these fantastic prizes!

More Skillet-Friendly Meals for Make-Ahead Lunches or Dinners:

If you’re anything like me and appreciate the convenience and flavor of one-pan meals, here are some other fantastic skillet recipes perfect for both make-ahead lunches and satisfying dinners:

Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers: A robust and aromatic dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Skillet Lemon Pepper Chicken with Artichokes, Mushrooms and Asparagus: A bright and fresh meal, perfect for a lighter, yet filling, option.
Southwest Chicken Skillet: Another gem from Barefeet In The Kitchen, offering bold Tex-Mex flavors in a single pan.
Sweet Potato Skillet Tex Mex Style: A hearty and comforting vegetarian option that’s bursting with vibrant ingredients.

Embracing the simplicity and efficiency of skillet cooking has truly revolutionized mealtime in my household. This Healthy Asian Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a testament to how quick, nutritious, and delicious cooking can be, proving that a busy schedule doesn’t mean compromising on wholesome, satisfying meals. Give it a try, and let us know how it transforms your meal planning!