This Paleo Chicken and Broccoli is one of my favorite meals to make. It is so quick, has so much flavor, and is Whole30 and gluten free.
Chicken and broccoli is such a classic Asian take-out dish that I have enjoyed so many times and I'm excited to re-make it and share it.
Here are the ingredients you'll need. That toasted sesame oil is so important!! That is what gives the chicken and broccoli the signature taste and a little is all you need. The broccoli will seem like too much at first, but it cooks way down. I like to use dark meat for this because it is hard to over-cook, has more flavor, and is cheaper. Feel free to use chicken breast if you want though.
In a large skillet, add the oil, broccoli, ginger, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and coconut aminos. Cook over medium/high heat for 5 minutes until the broccoli starts to become tender and turns bright green.
Add in the chicken and turn the heat to high. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch and stir well- this will thicken up the sauce. Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Like I do a lot of times, I prepped the broccoli and chicken ahead of time so this meal came together in just over 10 minutes. That includes spiralizing the zucchini while the chicken was cooking! I love how easy it all is!
The zucchini noodles worked perfectly with it.
This does have a little spice, not too much, but you may want to adjust the red pepper to taste.
This is such a great meal for summer when you don't feel like heating up the house and want something quick and healthy.
You may also enjoy my Paleo Beef and Broccoli.
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Paleo Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 7 cups broccoli cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- ⅔ cup coconut aminos
- 2 pounds chicken cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch optional if you want a thicker sauce
Instructions
- Place oil in a large skillet and add broccoli, ginger, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and coconut aminos.
- Cook over medium/high heat for 5 minutes until broccoli starts to soften.
- Add the chicken and turn the heat to high.
- Cook until chicken is fully cooked, stirring regularly, about 5 minutes.
- If desired, add tapioca starch and stir well until sauce is thickened.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Karen says
This recipe looks delicious. However, I'm allergic to sesames. Any suggestions for a sesame oil substitute?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Karen! Yes, avocado or coconut oil will work. It won't have the exact same flavor but will definitely work. Hope you enjoy!
Rachel says
Good recipe! A couple things I recommend. Cook the broccoli til soft, then put the sauce in. The broccoli was overly salty. The chicken however tastes perfect!
Jessica DeMay says
Great tips, Rachel! Thanks!
Niki says
In a cup portion - how much is this measured for us in the uk?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Niki- it looks like it would be about 500 grams of broccoli. That's what google said 🙂 I hope that helps. Enjoy!
Mark says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I sue my crockpot almost exclusively for cooking, because I love the convenience, but you can't beat how fast and easy this recipe is. And it is AMAZING. This is my new favorite Paleo meal, and I will be making it A LOT. Thank you so much for you website; I have enjoyed every single recipe I've found here!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Mark! I'm so glad you enjoy this dish. Thank you for trying it and for the great feedback! 🙂
Michelle says
This recipe is awesome! It's a regular in my household, especially during a Whole30! Last time I made it, I ran a bit short on the coconut aminos, so I did half aminos/half chicken broth and it was still fantastic! The sesame oil really makes the dish!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Michelle! I agree- that sesame oil is a must! I'm so glad you and your family enjoy this dish- thanks for making it!
Monique says
This is an awesome recipe. It uses simple ingredients and is quick and tasty! I used fresh garlic, added onion and sliced mushrooms, and did 1/2 chicken 1/2 shrimp. Coconut aminos on its own to me tastes like really low sodium Teriyaki sauce so I have been adding Red Boat fish sauce to stir fries with coconut aminos lately for extra flavour, but adding the extra salt to this recipe really kicked this up a notch and I didn't need the fish sauce! You couldn't tell it wasn't made with soy sauce! I chose to thicken with the tbsp of tapioca starch and served this over raw zucchini noodles.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Monique! I'm so glad you tried it and love it. Thanks for letting me know all the changes- it sounds delicious!
Deidra says
I made this for lunch today. It was easy and fast to make. Delicious!! Thank you for the recipe!!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Deidra! Thank you so much for trying it and for the feedback! I'm so glad you liked it! You're very welcome- thanks for making it!
Bridget says
What tool do you use to get your zucchini that shape? The veggetti that I have doesn't give the same shape and I prefer yours!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Bridget! I use a spiralizer- here is the link for the exact one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Paderno-World-Cuisine-A4982799-Tri-Blade/dp/B0007Y9WHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441855973&sr=8-1&keywords=spiralizer+paderno
It is great and I love it!
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home says
Jessica, this looks so delicious and easy! I'm always looking for quick and healthy Whole30 recipes that are family-friendly. I'm going to include a link to this for my Week 4 Whole30 Meal Plan! AWESOME!! 🙂 Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Kelly! It has become one of our regular meals because it is so easy. Thanks so much for the including it in your Whole30 Meal Plan- that's awesome!
Kennedy Cole| KCole's Creative Corner says
This looks soooooo flavorful and delicious! Chicken and broccoli are the PERFECT pair!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks! It does go so well together! 🙂
Amanda says
Could you use arrowroot powder instead of the tapioca starch?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Amanda! Yes, arrowroot would work great. Those are usually interchangeable. I hope you enjoy it!
Dany D'Andrea says
What about coconut flour?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Dany- unfortunately no. Coconut flour won't thicken it up and it will make it gritty.
Allie says
Do you cook or heat the zoodles? If so, exactly how do you do it? When I tried to cook zoodles in the past, they got all watery and mushy, not enjoyable.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Allie- the ones in the picture are raw. I find if you top them with hot food it cooks them, but not too much. Yes, they get watery when cooked. A saute then drain will help that. Raw isn't bad though, they just have a slight crunch. Hope that helps!
Allie says
Yes, Thank you very much! I appreciate your experience and thoughts on the subject. I just got a Veggie Bullet and need all the advice I can get. Your zoodles do look pretty in your picture being raw. And I am not at all against texture. I am not a fan of the S.A.D. diet baby food consistancy. ? Thank you for taking the time to respond!