Mary Berry Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

Mary Berry Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

This quick recipe brings a British take on an Asian-inspired meal that fits busy weeknights. In just 25 minutes, you can have tender chicken, crisp broccoli and a light savoury sauce on the table.

The method uses simple ingredients: 500g of breast, one head of green florets, 1 tbsp of oil and pantry staples such as soy and sesame oil. A splash of water helps form the sauce while ginger and garlic add bright flavour.

Designed as a lighter alternative to heavy casseroles, this recipe is ideal for families. Serve with steamed rice or noodles and finish with spring onions and a grind of salt pepper for a satisfying, quick supper.

Key Takeaways

  • Ready in about 25 minutes for a fast midweek supper.
  • Uses 500g of breast and one head of greens for balance.
  • 1 tbsp of oil plus soy and sesame oil make a simple sauce.
  • Ginger, garlic and spring onions lift the flavours.
  • Serve with rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.

Why You Will Love This Mary Berry Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe turns weekday stress into a tasty, protein-packed supper in no time. It gives a solid hit of protein that families need, while staying light enough for busy evenings.

The tender chicken pairs with crisp broccoli and a simple savoury sauce. The balance of salty and slightly sweet notes makes every bite satisfying.

Prep and cook take only a few minutes, so it’s perfect for rushed nights. Serve the finished dish over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.

  • High protein: Great for filling, healthy dinners.
  • Fast: Ready in minutes for weeknight convenience.
  • Versatile: Easy to add more veg or swap grains.
  • Beginner-friendly: Simple steps give reliable results.

Mary Berry’s signature simplicity means this berry chicken favourite becomes a go-to. The straightforward method helps cooks deliver a restaurant-style meal at home with minimal fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Stir Fry

Start with a clear layout of fresh produce and pantry staples before you cook.

Fresh Produce

Gather 500g of chicken breasts, trimmed and ready to be cut small into thin strips so they cook quickly. Use one large head broccoli, separated into small florets for crisp texture.

Prepare a 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated, and 2 garlic cloves, minced. Fresh ginger and garlic cloves give the dish a bright, authentic lift.

Pantry Staples

Have 2 tbsp of sunflower or olive oil on hand to brown the protein. The sauce base needs 2 tbsp of soy sauce and a splash of water to loosen it.

Season with salt and black pepper, and keep simple extras nearby. Using quality ingredients makes this mary berry berry chicken recipe shine.

Item Amount Note
Chicken breasts 500g Trimmed, cut small into strips
Head broccoli 1 large Cut into small florets
Garlic cloves 2 cloves Minced finely
Piece fresh ginger 1-inch Finely grated
Soy sauce 2 tbsp Light or reduced-salt if preferred

Preparing the Chicken and Savoury Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey and water in a small bowl to build a glossy sauce base. Keep this to one side so you can move quickly when the pan is hot.

Season the chicken breasts with salt pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat so the surface is smoking slightly.

Add the cut small strips and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden cooked and no pink remains, then set aside. Using an oil large enough prevents overcrowding and ensures a proper sear rather than steaming.

With the pan empty, make a cornstarch slurry: mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water. Have grated ginger and minced garlic cloves ready to add once the vegetables are tender.

When you return the chicken and head broccoli to the pan, pour the sauce in and add the slurry to thicken. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and chopped spring onions for a fragrant, bright finish.

Mastering the Stir Fry Technique

Begin by getting your pan scorching hot so each ingredient cooks fast and stays vibrant. High heat locks in colour and gives a quick sear that keeps textures bright.

High Heat Cooking

Use an oil large enough to coat the base and let it shimmer. Preheat for a couple of minutes so the pan is hot before you add any protein or veg.

Sautéing Aromatics

Add ginger and garlic to the hot pan and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them; they must only bloom their flavour.

Combining and Thickening

Add the florets and stir fry for 3–4 minutes, with a splash of water to steam the veg until crisp-tender. Remember to set aside the cooked chicken while you work the vegetables to keep it tender.

  • Return the chicken to the pan and pour the sauce over the mix, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  • Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and scatter spring onions. Serve over steamed rice or egg noodles for a filling meal.

mastering stir fry technique

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

A few practical tips will keep your meal bright, tender and well sauced. Follow these points to improve timing and texture so each bite performs well on the plate.

Achieving Crisp Broccoli

Blanch the florets for 1–2 minutes in boiling water, then plunge them into ice water. This stops the cooking, preserves colour and locks in a pleasant crunch.

When you return the veg to the pan, add a splash of water to create steam. This helps the florets become tender while keeping their snap.

  • Use high heat for the chicken stir-fry so the meat sears quickly and stays juicy.
  • Slice the chicken into even pieces and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • If the sauce tastes too salty, swap to reduced-sodium soy sauce and balance with a little honey.
  • Keep ingredients uniform in size — it’s the easiest way to ensure even cooking, as suggested by mary berry chicken notes.
  • Serve the dish immediately; the broccoli and sauce are best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store extra portions smartly to save time on busy evenings. Let the dish cool fully before you set aside any food. This keeps flavours clean and reduces bacterial risk.

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

stir fry

Reheating on the hob works best for texture. Heat a pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and toss gently to warm through. This helps revive the gloss and keeps meat tender.

  • Microwave: reheat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heat.
  • Stovetop: use medium heat in a non-stick pan and add 1 tsp water if the sauce is thick.
  • Cool completely before storing and label frozen tubs with the date.

Nutrition note: Each serving is about 350 kcal, making this a balanced option with rice or greens. Prep the sauce and chop veg in advance to shave minutes off future cooks.

Conclusion

This simple supper brings restaurant flavours to your kitchen in under half an hour. The mary berry chicken dish balances tender chicken with crisp broccoli in a light, savoury sauce. It is a quick chicken stir fry recipe that works well over rice or noodles and gives a good hit of protein in minutes.

Use pantry ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and garlic to lift flavours. Adjust salt pepper and spring onions to taste. The method needs only a tbsp of oil and basic ingredients, so you can swap veg or protein easily to suit your kitchen.

Enjoy this light, dependable dish often — it’s simple to make, easy to store and quick to reheat for busy evenings.

FAQ

What cut of poultry works best for this stir-fry?

Boneless, skinless breast or thigh fillets cut into small, even pieces cook quickly and stay tender. Thigh meat gives richer flavour and tolerates high heat better, while breast is leaner and quicker to cook.

How do I keep the florets crisp and bright green?

Blanch the florets in boiling water for one minute, then plunge into iced water to stop cooking. Drain well and add to the wok toward the end of stir-frying so they remain crisp.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the soy, sesame oil, grated ginger and minced garlic with a little water and cornstarch up to a day in advance. Keep refrigerated and whisk again before using.

What oil should I use for high-heat cooking?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, sunflower or peanut oil. Add a small drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end for flavour rather than using it as the frying oil.

How do I prevent the chicken sticking to the pan?

Ensure the wok or frying pan is very hot before adding oil and chicken. Work in batches so pieces have space; overcrowding lowers the temperature and causes sticking and steaming.

Is there a gluten-free option for the sauce?

Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative. Check other condiments for hidden gluten and use cornflour as the thickener instead of wheat-based alternatives.

How long does this dish keep in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.

Can I add eggs to the stir-fry?

Yes. Lightly scramble a beaten egg in the pan before adding the vegetables for extra protein, or push the cooked ingredients to one side and quickly scramble the egg on the empty surface.

What sides pair well with this stir-fry?

Steamed white or brown rice, noodles or cauliflower rice all work well. A simple cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables provide a crisp, acidic contrast.

How do I adjust the heat if I prefer it spicier?

Add sliced fresh chilli or a spoonful of chilli paste to the sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle dried chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha when serving to control the spice level.

Mary Berry Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

This quick recipe brings a British take on an Asian-inspired meal that fits busy weeknights. In just 25 minutes, you can have tender chicken, crisp broccoli and a light savoury sauce on the table.

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: British/Asian

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into small strips
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped spring onions for garnish

Method

  1. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and water in a small bowl to build a glossy sauce base.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat until the surface is smoking slightly.
  4. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  5. In the same pan, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water to create a slurry.
  6. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot pan and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
  7. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of water to steam the vegetables until crisp-tender.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
  9. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  10. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and scatter chopped spring onions on top.
  11. Serve over steamed rice or egg noodles.