Need a quick dinner that tastes delicious without leaving you with a sink full of dishes? This easy chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a practical choice for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, garlic, and a flavorful homemade sauce in one skillet.
The sauce has a savory, slightly sweet flavor that coats every piece of chicken and broccoli. Serve it over warm rice for a satisfying meal that works well for family dinners, meal prep, or a simple weeknight lunch.
The best part? You can have this recipe on the table in about 30 minutes, especially when you prepare the ingredients before turning on the stove.
Busy evenings can make it difficult to decide what to cook. A collection of 30 easy recipes can give you more dinner inspiration when you want something simple and satisfying. Keep new meal ideas handy so you can plan ahead, create a shopping list, and spend less time deciding what to make. Explore the recipe collection and find more dishes to add to your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Quick and convenient: A straightforward dinner that fits into a busy evening.
- Simple ingredients: Chicken, broccoli, garlic, and common pantry staples do most of the work.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness, spice level, or vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Great for meal prep: Pair it with rice and portion it into containers for future meals.
- Less expensive than takeout: Making dinner at home lets you control the ingredients and portions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Broccoli
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil, such as avocado or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient Notes: Low-sodium soy sauce helps you control the saltiness. Chicken broth adds extra savory flavor, while water works as a simple substitute. Cornstarch helps the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken and broccoli.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the chicken into thin, evenly sized strips so it cooks quickly. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince the garlic.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Check that the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the broccoli to the same skillet with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger during the last minute and stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The broccoli should become bright green and tender while retaining a little crunch.
If you prefer softer broccoli, cover the skillet for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Whisk the sauce again because cornstarch settles at the bottom of the bowl.
Pour the sauce into the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve immediately over warm rice or noodles.
Recipe Card
| Recipe Name: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Difficulty: Easy Course: Dinner Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Ingredients 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast 4 cups broccoli florets 1 tablespoon cooking oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup chicken broth or water 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Optional red pepper flakes, green onions, sesame seeds, and cooked rice Instructions Slice the chicken into thin strips and cut the broccoli into florets. Whisk together the soy sauce, broth, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, checking that it reaches 165°F internally. Transfer to a clean plate. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Whisk the sauce again, pour it into the skillet, and stir until thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until everything is coated in sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve over cooked rice. Timing Note: The 30-minute estimate assumes efficient preparation and that rice is cooked alongside the stir-fry or prepared in advance. |
Tips for the Best Results
Cut the Chicken Evenly: Thin, uniform pieces cook more consistently than large chunks.
Use a Large Skillet: Overcrowding traps moisture and can prevent the chicken from browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
Keep the Broccoli Slightly Crisp: A little texture makes the finished dish more appealing and helps prevent mushy vegetables.
Mix the Sauce Before Pouring: Cornstarch settles quickly, so whisk it again just before adding it to the pan.
Prepare Everything First: Stir-frying happens quickly. Have the sauce, garlic, ginger, and vegetables ready before you begin cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. They tend to remain juicy but may need extra cooking time.
- Frozen Broccoli: Thaw and drain it first, or cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the stir-fry.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for honey.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free tamari and check that the other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.
- Extra Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a little chili-garlic sauce.
What to Serve With Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Try serving this dish with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Rice noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- A light cucumber salad
- Steamed edamame
For a busy weeknight, cooked rice and the stir-fry make a simple meal without requiring extra side dishes.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for about 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water. You can also use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring between intervals.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C). Follow USDA food-safety guidance for storing and reheating cooked food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry in 30 Minutes?
Yes. With thinly sliced chicken, pre-cut broccoli, and the sauce mixed in advance, the recipe can fit into a 30-minute cooking window. Cooking rice from scratch may require additional time.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Tender?
Cut it into evenly sized pieces, avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Removing it from the pan while you cook the broccoli can help prevent overcooking.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli works well, although it may be softer than fresh broccoli. Drain excess moisture so the sauce does not become watery.
How Do I Thicken the Stir-Fry Sauce?
Cornstarch thickens the sauce as it heats. If it becomes too thick, add water or chicken broth a tablespoon at a time.
Can I Prepare This Recipe for Meal Prep?
Yes. Divide the cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice into airtight containers. Refrigerate promptly and reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
Not by default. Leave out the red pepper flakes for a mild sauce, or add more for a spicy version.
Make Weeknight Dinners Easier
Busy evenings can make it difficult to decide what to cook. A collection of 30 easy recipes can give you more dinner inspiration when you want something simple and satisfying.
Keep new meal ideas handy so you can plan ahead, create a shopping list, and spend less time deciding what to make. Explore the recipe collection and find more dishes to add to your weekly rotation.
Conclusion
This easy chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a practical dinner for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic soy sauce come together in one skillet, making cleanup simple.
Serve it over rice, customize the vegetables to your liking, and save the leftovers for another meal. With a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make a satisfying homemade dinner without relying on takeout.
Give this recipe a try and explore more easy dinner ideas at QuickBitesKitchen.com.