When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with crispy fried chicken paired with vibrant garlic butter broccoli. This delightful combo is not only delicious but also brings a satisfying crunch and fresh flavors to your table. Picture this: the crispiness of perfectly seasoned chicken that melts in your mouth, complemented by tender broccoli sautéed in rich garlic butter. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this fried chicken with broccoli will certainly hit the spot. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how easy it is to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken with Broccoli
This fried chicken with broccoli is a match made in culinary heaven. The crispy, golden-brown chicken offers an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with the fresh, vibrant greens.
The garlic butter sauce elevates everything. It brings rich flavors that coat each piece of chicken and every floret of broccoli. You’ll appreciate how these ingredients complement each other.
Health-conscious diners will love the balance this dish provides. While you indulge in juicy fried chicken, you’re also getting your daily dose of nutrients from tender broccoli.
Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this combo never disappoints. It’s comforting yet satisfying enough to impress any guest at your table.
Get ready to enjoy moments filled with laughter and deliciousness as you dig into this delightful meal!
Check Out our More Fried Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts – The main protein, tender and juicy when fried.
Buttermilk – Helps marinate and tenderize the chicken.
All-purpose flour & Cornstarch – Creates a crispy, golden coating.
Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt, and Cayenne Pepper – A balanced seasoning blend for rich flavor.
Vegetable Oil – Used for deep frying to achieve a crunchy texture.
For the Broccoli:
Broccoli Florets – A nutritious, slightly crunchy vegetable side.
Butter & Garlic – Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the broccoli.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional), Salt, Black Pepper – Enhances the taste with seasoning and mild heat.
Water – Helps steam the broccoli for perfect tenderness.
Optional Garnishes:
Lemon Wedges & Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
How to Make Fried Chicken with Broccoli
Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a bowl for a crispy outer layer.
Dredge and Fry: Coat marinated chicken in the flour mixture and deep fry until golden brown and crispy.
Sauté the Broccoli: Cook broccoli in butter with garlic, seasoning, and a little water until tender yet crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate crispy fried chicken with flavorful broccoli, garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
How to cut chicken thinly for a stir-fry:
To achieve the perfect chicken stir-fry with broccoli, begin by selecting boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut is ideal for quick cooking and helps absorb flavors.
Start by placing the chicken in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This slight chill makes it easier to slice thinly without squishing or shredding the meat.
Once firm, remove it from the freezer. Use a sharp knife to cut against the grain into even strips about 1/4 inch thick. Cutting against the grain ensures tender pieces that are easy to chew.
For uniformity, try to keep each piece similar in size. This will help everything cook evenly when you toss your dish together later on.
After slicing, pat dry with paper towels before marinating or seasoning as desired. Thin slices ensure your fried chicken cooks quickly while maintaining juicy tenderness inside.
Storage
To keep your fried chicken with broccoli fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down slightly.
Transfer the chicken and broccoli to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact.
For short-term storage, place it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for 3 to 4 days if sealed properly.
If you’re planning to enjoy it later than that, consider freezing. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain that crispy texture of the chicken while warming up the broccoli evenly. Avoid microwaving if you can; you’ll lose all those wonderful crunchiness details!
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Variations and Serving Suggestions
When it comes to variations, the sky’s the limit with fried chicken and broccoli. Consider adding a kick of spice by incorporating red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. This can elevate your dish and satisfy those craving heat.
You might also experiment with different sauces. A tangy teriyaki glaze pairs beautifully with both chicken and broccoli, giving it an Asian twist that’s hard to resist.
For serving suggestions, think beyond the plate. Serve over fluffy jasmine rice for a hearty meal or toss everything in warm noodles for an exciting stir-fry experience.
Don’t forget about garnishes! Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add brightness while toasted sesame seeds offer crunch. Each tweak brings its unique flair to this beloved dish, making every meal feel special and custom-made just for you.
More Stir Fry Recipes You Will Love
When it comes to stir fry, the options are endless. If you loved this crispy fried chicken with garlic butter broccoli combination, you’ll want to explore more delightful variations. Try a beef stir fry with colorful bell peppers and snap peas for a savory twist, or whip up shrimp stir fry with vibrant carrots and zucchini for something lighter.
Vegetarians can enjoy tofu stir fry packed with mushrooms and bok choy, featuring the same garlicky goodness that makes this chicken dish so mouthwatering. Don’t forget about adding your favorite sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce to elevate any stir-fried meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment by incorporating fruits like pineapple or mango into your next chicken and broccoli stir fry; the sweetness pairs beautifully with savory flavors. The possibilities are truly endless!
So grab those ingredients and fire up your skillet! You’re on your way to creating delicious meals that will satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy exploring these recipes as much as you did making the fried chicken with broccoli!
Fried Chicken with Broccoli
Equipment
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan (for frying)
- Tongs
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Large skillet (for broccoli)
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into halves)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water (for steaming)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, place the chicken thighs and pour in the buttermilk. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dredge and Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture. Press firmly so the coating sticks well.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Pour in water, cover, and steam for 3 minutes until tender but still bright green.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the crispy fried chicken alongside the sautéed broccoli. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into buttermilk, and then into the flour mixture again.
- No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the breading.
- For oven-baked chicken: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spicy version: Increase cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.