Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in a matter of minutes for a healthy and satisfying meal. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dinner that’s better than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with protein and fresh vegetables.
- Perfectly seasoned with a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- A healthy, homemade alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Stir Fry:
- Chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)
- Broccoli florets
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (minced or grated)
- Vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Honey or brown sugar
- Chicken broth or water
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
Directions
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, chicken broth, and sesame oil.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
- Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine and Finish:
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Stir Fry: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
- Additional Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Lemon Ginger Stir Fry: Add a splash of lemon juice and extra ginger for a fresh twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain excess water before cooking to prevent sogginess.
What type of chicken is best for stir fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for their tender texture and quick cooking time.
Can I make this without cornstarch?
Yes, skip the cornstarch for a thinner sauce, or use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until done, then remove it from the skillet to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce or an extra tablespoon of soy sauce with a touch of sugar for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add chili paste, sliced fresh chilies, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce or as a topping.
Should I blanch the broccoli first?
Blanching is optional but not necessary. Cooking the broccoli directly in the skillet keeps it crisp-tender.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add pre-cooked chicken during the final steps to warm it through.
What pairs well with this stir fry?
Serve with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite type of noodles.
How do I get that restaurant-quality stir fry taste?
Cook over high heat in a wok or large skillet, and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a homemade meal that rivals your favorite takeout. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this easy and delicious recipe anytime!
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This stir fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the Pan:
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
- Sauté the Broccoli:
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same pan. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger:
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Combine and Finish:
- Add Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer:
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to the stir fry.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.