The Best Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe For Busy Weeknights

Chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers a perfect balance of lean protein and vibrant green vegetables in one delightful meal.

Savory aromas fill your kitchen as ingredients sizzle and dance in a hot wok.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious solutions that satisfy hunger without complicated preparation.

Crisp broccoli florets retain their bright color and subtle crunch against tender, golden-brown chicken pieces.

Seasonings weave complex layers of flavor through each carefully crafted bite.

Home cooks appreciate dishes that come together effortlessly while providing maximum taste and nutritional benefits.

Mastering this classic technique ensures a restaurant-quality experience right at your dining table.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled stir fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Complements Chicken Stir Fry Best

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Complement the savory soy sauce and ginger flavors with a chilled Riesling's slight sweetness and bright acidity, cutting through the rich chicken and balancing the dish's umami notes.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Create a perfect base that soaks up the flavorful sauce, adding a subtle floral aroma and soft texture that enhances the stir fry's overall eating experience.
• Match with Asian-Style Lager: Choose a light, refreshing beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cleanse the palate between bites, its crispness working well with the garlic and ginger undertones.
• Add Sesame Cucumber Salad: Introduce a cool, crunchy side dish that provides a fresh contrast to the warm stir fry, with a light sesame dressing that echoes the Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Stir Fry Twists You Can Try Tonight

• Spicy Ginger Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the soy sauce mixture for a fiery flavor profile that elevates the original recipe.
• Vegetable Medley Blend: Incorporate additional colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to create a more diverse and nutritious stir fry.
• Teriyaki Fusion Style: Replace standard soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a splash of sesame oil for a richer, more complex Asian-inspired taste.
• Cashew Crunch Edition: Sprinkle roasted cashew nuts over the finished dish for extra texture and a nutty flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly.

All the FAQs on Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

• How long does it take to make this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

The total cooking time is about 15-20 minutes, with 5-10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of actual cooking.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh broccoli works best. If using frozen, thaw and drain it completely to prevent excess water in the stir fry.

• What if I don't have a wok?

No problem! A large nonstick skillet works perfectly fine for this recipe. The key is to have a pan that distributes heat evenly.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped fresh chili peppers during the cooking process to increase the heat level to your liking.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry That Sizzles

• This stir fry delivers a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a robust, umami-rich sauce that beautifully coats tender chicken and crisp broccoli, offering a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
• Stir-frying allows you to cook ingredients quickly over high heat, preserving their nutrients, texture, and vibrant colors while creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• The recipe is wonderfully adaptable – swap chicken for tofu, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile go-to meal for different dietary needs and flavor desires.

Stir Fry Essentials: What You’ll Need

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides main substance and flavor for the stir fry. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable adding nutrition and crunch. Select bright green, firm broccoli with tight clusters.

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness to the dish. Recommended to use low-sodium version for better control of salt content.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for the sauce and helps tenderize chicken. Low-sodium or homemade broth works best.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds slight sweetness to the sauce. Regular white sugar is standard.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates glossy texture. Use fresh, finely ground cornstarch for smooth results.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and sharp flavor. Fresh garlic cloves are preferred over pre-minced.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy undertone to the stir fry. Fresh ginger root offers most authentic taste.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with even cooking. Neutral oil spray works well.
• Steamed Rice or Noodles: Serves as base for stir fry. Choose long-grain white rice or egg noodles.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Chicken broth
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Stir-fry the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until the chicken develops a golden-brown color on all sides.

Step 3: Infuse the Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken. Gently stir to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Broccoli

Introduce fresh broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the existing sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Aim for broccoli that’s tender yet maintains a crisp texture.

Step 5: Create a Silky Sauce

• Remaining chicken broth
• Additional cornstarch

Pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a glossy, smooth consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the sizzling stir fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Stir Fry Cooking Tips Worth Using

• Prep Like a Pro: Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and quick stir-frying.
• Master the Heat: Use medium-high heat to create a perfect golden-brown sear on chicken without burning garlic and ginger.
• Sauce Consistency Secret: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken and broccoli.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Cut broccoli florets into similar sizes for consistent cooking and a professional-looking stir fry that cooks evenly.
• Slurry Technique: Mix cornstarch slurry separately and add gradually while stirring to prevent sauce clumping and achieve a silky, restaurant-quality texture.

Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers bold flavors that dance across your palate with authentic Asian-inspired zest. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken combine in a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables:

• 2 cups (300 grams) broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (finely chopped)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky, flavor-packed sauce by whisking together soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
2. Ignite a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, creating a light mist of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Introduce chicken pieces alongside minced garlic and ginger, rapidly stirring to ensure even browning and developing a rich, caramelized exterior within 2-3 minutes.
4. Cascade the prepared sauce over the golden chicken, thoroughly coating each morsel and allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Reduce heat to low, covering the skillet to trap moisture and allow gentle simmering for 5 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Tumble broccoli florets into the simmering mixture, ensuring each piece gets luxuriously coated with the developing sauce.
7. Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 5 minutes until broccoli reaches a vibrant, tender-crisp texture.
8. Create a quick cornstarch slurry using remaining chicken broth, then pour into the skillet while continuously stirring to transform the sauce into a glossy, thick consistency.
9. Remove from heat and artfully serve over steamed rice or noodles, allowing the aromatic dish to showcase its complex layers of flavor.

Notes

• Quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with protein and nutrients in just 20 minutes.
• Perfectly balanced stir fry with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, creating a delicious harmony of textures.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor punch and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Cornstarch helps create a silky, glossy sauce that beautifully coats every ingredient without being too thick.
• Essential to cook chicken first at high heat to develop golden brown edges and seal in juicy tenderness.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice to absorb the savory sauce and complete the meal perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg