If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting textures, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings together tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a luscious, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your culinary skills, this recipe balances health and indulgence perfectly without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe simple is part of the magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing that appealing pop of green that makes the dish so inviting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites packed with protein.
- Broccoli florets: The star vegetable providing crunch and vibrant color, plus loads of nutrients.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps sear the chicken and infuse the garlic and ginger with warmth.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the savory base of the stir fry.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Brings a subtle zing and freshness that distinguishes this dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the savory and tangy notes in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that brightens the overall flavor.
- Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken and broccoli.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that fine-tune the taste to your preference.
- Cooked rice: The perfect bed to soak up all the sauce and complete the meal.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook them until they’re nicely browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this step ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful without overcooking later on.
Step 2: Warming the aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until they become wonderfully fragrant and start to release their incredible flavors. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your stir fry, making the entire kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 3: Cooking the broccoli
Next, add the broccoli florets and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want your broccoli tender-crisp with a bright green color that indicates freshness. Stir-frying the broccoli properly keeps it from getting soggy and preserves that satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Step 4: Making the sauce
While the broccoli cooks, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if you prefer a thicker sauce) in a small bowl. Pour this luscious sauce mixture over the broccoli and stir well so every floret gets enrobed in flavor. This sauce is the heart of the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe, balancing sweet, salty, and tangy notes in a harmonious way.
Step 5: Bringing it all together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly if you’ve added cornstarch. This final step ensures each bite is perfectly coated and hot, ready to be served over a fluffy bed of cooked rice.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil can add a delightful final flourish. These touches offer extra texture and layers of flavor that make your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Even though this stir fry is a complete meal on its own, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice for extra fiber, or even cauliflower rice if you’re leaning into a low-carb option. A small bowl of light miso soup or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad also complements the flavors beautifully without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in individual lettuce cups for a hand-held delight, or pile it high in a vibrant bowl paired with quinoa and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. You could also tuck it into warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap. Presentation matters, and these creative ideas can turn this everyday favorite into a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this stir fry in advance, it freezes well. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli might soften a bit after thawing, but it’s still delicious and convenient for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as a stovetop reheat helps keep the chicken tender and the broccoli from turning mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative and still works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you need a soy-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes with similar umami flavors but lower sodium content.
How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
If you want to avoid cornstarch, you can let the sauce simmer a bit longer after adding it to naturally reduce and thicken, or use arrowroot powder as an alternative thickener.
Can I prepare any parts of the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can slice the chicken and chop the broccoli a day ahead to save time. You could even mix the sauce ingredients beforehand, so assembling the dish on cooking day is swift and seamless.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is truly one of those dishes that never fails to delight. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and full of flavor that feels both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it — once you do, it’s bound to become one of your go-to meals, perfect for any night of the week.
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory ginger-garlic soy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build flavor.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry them for 4-5 minutes until they become tender-crisp without losing their vibrant color and texture.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch if using for thickening. Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli and stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is reheated and the sauce thickens nicely if cornstarch is used.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and broccoli stir fry over cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sesame seeds.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to keep sodium levels low if needed.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
