Flavorful Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe for Quick and Easy Dinners

This chicken and broccoli stir-fry upgrades ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with nutrition and zest.

Asian-inspired culinary techniques elevate simple proteins and vegetables into a harmonious dance of textures and tastes.

Crisp vegetables mingle perfectly with succulent meat, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and delights the palate.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this swift kitchen creation that feels simultaneously comforting and exciting.

Health-conscious individuals will appreciate the nutrient-dense combination of lean protein and verdant greens.

Packed with robust seasonings, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

How to Make Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Whip Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, blend chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, cornstarch, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (about 5 minutes). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Using the same skillet, add broccoli florets and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly and cover the skillet. Steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and broccoli completely.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spread the stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Let the chicken sit undisturbed in the hot pan to develop a golden-brown crust, creating deeper flavor and preventing meat from sticking.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop broccoli and chicken, and mix sauce ingredients before cooking to ensure a smooth, quick stir-fry process.
• Control Heat Wisely: Use high heat to achieve that classic stir-fry sizzle, but adjust to prevent burning and maintain even cooking.
• Keep Broccoli Crisp: Steam broccoli just until bright green and tender-crisp to preserve nutrients and prevent mushiness.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to help the sauce thicken evenly and coat ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Storing and Reheating Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken and broccoli stir-fry will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish separate from rice to prevent soggy texture.
• Freezer Method: Carefully pack the stir-fry in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen portions will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave as a quick alternative, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure even heating. Discard any leftovers that smell unusual or appear discolored.

Pairing Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the dish's richness, complementing the savory soy sauce and bright broccoli flavors with its refreshing acidity.
• Match with Jasmine Rice Companion: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the stir-fry's delicious sauce, creating a perfect base that enhances the chicken's tender texture and adds a subtle fragrant backdrop.
• Add Crunchy Asian Slaw Side: A tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame seeds provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm stir-fry, balancing the dish's bold Asian-inspired seasonings and adding textural excitement.
• Serve with Green Tea Refreshment: Smooth, slightly grassy green tea cleanses the palate between bites, neutralizing the soy sauce's saltiness and highlighting the ginger and garlic undertones in the chicken.

Fun Variations of Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Spicy Thai Kick: Replace honey with chili sauce, add red pepper flakes, and garnish with chopped Thai basil for a fiery flavor profile.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Swap chicken with tofu, add bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for a colorful vegetarian version that's packed with nutrients.
• Garlic Ginger Fusion: Increase garlic and ginger quantities, include sliced green onions, and drizzle with extra sesame oil for an aromatic and intense Asian-inspired meal.
• Coconut Curry Remix: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce, sprinkle with curry powder, and top with chopped cashews for a creamy, nutty transformation.

Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Quick and Healthy Meal

• Speedily Stir Up Satisfaction: This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but lack time.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Plate: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and balanced macronutrients, this dish supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Mastering Quick Cooking Techniques: Learn professional stir-frying methods that create perfectly browned chicken and crisp-tender vegetables using high heat and strategic cooking steps.
• One-Pan Wonder Meal: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet approach that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-style dinner, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

Key Ingredients for Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors well and provides a tender texture for stir-fry.

• Broccoli: Fresh, green vegetable that adds crunch and nutritional value to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall flavor of the stir-fry.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami flavor and helps season the dish.
• Honey: Brings subtle sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates smooth, silky texture.
• Sesame Oil: Offers nutty, distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor that complements chicken and vegetables.
• Ginger: Provides warm, spicy undertone and traditional Asian cooking essence.

• Neutral Oil: Helps prevent sticking and allows high-heat cooking for proper searing.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds visual appeal and light, toasted nutty flavor.

• Rice: Traditional base that absorbs sauce and completes the meal.

Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling chicken and crisp broccoli dance together in this quick Chinese-inspired stir-fry, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures. Minimal ingredients and lightning-fast cooking make this dish a weeknight hero you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, cornstarch, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture becomes a smooth, well-integrated sauce.
2. Pour neutral cooking oil into a large skillet or wok, heating over high heat until the surface shimmers with intense warmth.
3. Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot surface, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then gently stir and continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes until the meat is completely cooked through and displays an even caramelized exterior.
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce fresh broccoli florets directly into the same cooking vessel, immediately pouring the prepared sauce over the vegetables.
6. Toss the broccoli to ensure complete sauce coverage, then cover the skillet and allow the vegetables to steam for 2-3 minutes, maintaining their vibrant green color and achieving a crisp-tender texture.
7. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring continuously to help the sauce thicken and evenly coat both chicken and broccoli.
8. Plate the stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep ahead saves precious time during busy weeknights, chopping chicken and broccoli in advance.
• Sesame oil adds an authentic Asian flavor profile that elevates the entire dish’s taste complexity.
• Cornstarch works magic by creating a silky, glossy sauce that perfectly coats every ingredient.
• Honey balances the savory soy sauce, bringing a subtle sweetness to complement the bold flavors.
• Fresh ginger provides a zesty warmth that transforms this simple stir-fry into something extraordinary.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg