Sizzling Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

My kitchen often buzzes with excitement when I whip up this delectable chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe that combines crisp vegetables and tender protein.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

Fresh ingredients create magic in just minutes, turning simple components into something spectacular.

Fragrant garlic and ginger dance together, infusing each bite with incredible depth and warmth.

Colorful vegetables add vibrant crunch while lean protein provides substantial satisfaction.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together, making meal preparation feel like a delightful culinary adventure.

Grab your wok and let the deliciousness begin!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry That Hits Every Note

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken and broccoli stir fry comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for hectic schedules.
• Lean chicken provides protein while broccoli delivers essential vitamins and minerals, creating a balanced one-pan meal that supports your health goals.
• Easily customizable with optional red pepper flakes for heat or substituting vegetables, this recipe appeals to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Master professional-style cooking techniques with simple ingredients, transforming your kitchen into a gourmet experience without complicated steps or expensive equipment.

What You’ll Need for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Main Ingredients:

Protein:- Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the stir fry, best with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender texture.

Vegetable:- Broccoli: Adds crunch and nutrition, fresh florets work best with bright green color and firm texture.

Sauce Components:

Liquid Seasonings:- Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Create deep umami flavor base, choose low-sodium options for better control of saltiness.

• Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle tangy brightness to balance the sauce.

Thickening and Sweetening Agents:- Cornstarch, Honey: Help thicken sauce and provide subtle sweetness, cornstarch creates glossy texture.

Aromatics and Enhancers:- Garlic, Ginger: Provide classic Asian stir fry flavor profile, fresh ingredients offer most intense taste.

• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty background note, use sparingly for authentic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat booster for those who enjoy spicy food.

Cooking Liquids:- Chicken Broth: Adds depth to sauce and helps create smooth consistency.

Cooking Oils:- Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking, allows other flavors to shine.

Garnish:- Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds color and mild onion flavor.

How to Cook Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Craft the Flavor Bomb Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Chicken broth
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until perfectly blended. Set aside and let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces into the hot pan, creating a golden sizzle. Cook while stirring occasionally until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks through completely. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Dance with the Greens

Splash remaining oil into the same pan. Introduce broccoli florets to the hot surface, letting them dance and stir-fry for a quick 2-3 minutes. They should remain vibrant and crisp.

Step 4: Awaken Aromatic Magic

Sprinkle minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan. Stir constantly for one minute, releasing their intoxicating fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return chicken to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the entire mixture. Stir with enthusiasm, ensuring every morsel gets a perfect sauce coating.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes. Watch the sauce transform, thickening and clinging to the chicken and broccoli.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Scatter sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve piping hot alongside steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Stir Fry Tips for Crisp Veggies and Tender Chicken

• Customize the Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, adding more for extra kick or omitting for mild flavor.
• Prep Like a Pro: Cut chicken and broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Sauce Saver: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent cornstarch clumping and create smooth, glossy coating for the dish.
• Make It Healthier: Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium version and use lean chicken breast to reduce overall calories and sodium.
• Quick Meal Hack: Prepare sauce and chop ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce total meal preparation time.

Reheat and Save Stir Fry Without Losing Texture

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and broccoli stir fry fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers, ensuring it stays good for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Best Pairings for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Select a crisp Riesling with light sweetness to balance the savory stir fry and complement the sesame oil’s nutty undertones.
• Choose a refreshing light lager or wheat beer that cuts through the dish’s richness while enhancing the ginger and garlic flavors.
• Prepare green tea with subtle grassy notes that cleanse the palate and harmonize with the chicken and broccoli’s earthy profile.
• Mix a sparkling ginger-lime spritzer to mirror the stir fry’s Asian-inspired ingredients and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint.

New Ways to Flavor Your Stir Fry Meals

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried for a protein-rich alternative that absorbs the savory sauce perfectly.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and replace chicken broth with water, adding extra herbs like thyme or basil to enhance taste without increasing salt content.
• Spicy Lovers’ Adaptation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for an extra kick, and include sliced jalapeños during the stir-frying process to boost heat levels.

Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling chicken and broccoli stir fry brings classic Chinese flavors to your kitchen with lightning-fast preparation. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and savory sauce combine for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and delights your palate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing vessel, creating a harmonious sauce blend. Reserve for later use.
2. Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, drizzling vegetable oil across the cooking surface.
3. Introduce chicken pieces into the heated pan, allowing them to sizzle and transform into golden-hued morsels. Rotate periodically to ensure uniform cooking, approximately 5-6 minutes until fully done. Carefully transfer cooked chicken to a temporary holding plate.
4. Reintroduce additional oil to the same pan, then tumble fresh broccoli florets into the hot environment. Rapidly agitate the vegetables to promote even heating and slight caramelization.
5. Sprinkle minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan, stirring vigorously to release their aromatic essence. Allow ingredients to dance together for roughly one minute.
6. Repatriate the previously cooked chicken back into the pan’s landscape, creating a unified culinary terrain.
7. Cascade the prepared sauce across the chicken and broccoli, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Gently fold ingredients to distribute sauce evenly.
8. Allow the mixture to simmer, watching the sauce transform and thicken while maintaining the broccoli’s vibrant crispness, approximately 2-3 minutes.
9. Optional: Crown the dish with delicate green onion slivers for visual and flavor enhancement. Present alongside steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and quick heat distribution.
• Marinate chicken in a small amount of soy sauce and cornstarch beforehand to enhance tenderness and create a silky texture.
• Use high heat and keep ingredients moving quickly to maintain crisp broccoli and prevent burning, which helps preserve nutritional value.
• For low-carb adaptation, replace honey with monk fruit sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg