Broccoli Chicken

This morning, I decided to inspect my freezer and pantry before making my week's meal plan and grocery list.  I had most of what I needed to make one of our Asian take out favorites so I set my mind to Broccoli Chicken!   I haven't made this before so I googled several recipes.  Many had ingredients that I was not familiar with and were more expensive than I prefer....so I made a plan - to wing it and see if I could do a super simple version.  Boy did this work!!!!  I am so happy with how this turned out!  The Hubs LOVED this and I must say - ' tis yummy enough to become a regular here!

You'll need:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 bottle lite soy sauce
1 bunch of fresh broccoli (florets only)  or 1bag of frozen broccoli florets (I prefer fresh but either is fine)
1 small can of sliced water chestnuts
1 cup baby carrots
2 bags instant brown rice (white or long grain wild rice are fine too - your preference)
fried chow mein noodles (for garnish)
two pinches of sugar and pepper to taste

Like I said, I read a lot of recipes then went my own way with this.  I added the chicken breasts to my sauté skillet and added 1/4 bottle of lite soy sauce.  Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes (until chicken is cooked thru the middle completely) then take your tongs and separate the chicken into bite size pieces.  Add a pinch of sugar and a round of fresh ground pepper, then allow this to sit uncovered for about 10 minutes while you get your veggies and rice ready.

Start your rice in the microwave for 10 minutes on high.  I like the bagged instant brown rice - there is no clean up and it cooks perfectly every time.  You can't go wrong with this - any brand is fine. 

Julienne your water chestnuts and carrots.  Add them to your chicken and another 1/4 bottle of your lite soy sauce then cover and heat on medium until your carrots are beginning to tender.  Add the broccoli last with another pinch of sugar.  You want the broccoli to be cooked* but not mushy.  Broccoli cooks fast so wait until your carrots are ready to add it. 

*Strong caution - DO NOT OVER COOK YOUR BROCCOLI!  Mushy broccoli is yucky and you deserve better!  As soon as the broccoli is al-dente' you are done!  Take the chicken and veggie mix, serve it over the rice and top with fried chow mein noodles and enjoy! 

I have to say that I am beyond impressed with how good this is!  All the google ingredients: ginger, sesame oil, Hoisin sauce, etc. may be fine - but for me - simple works and it tastes GREAT!  Start cookin' and use a fork - chopsticks take too long! :)

Goodbye Take Out - Hello Simple At Home!