Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight hero that packs maximum flavor with minimum fuss, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is destined to steal the show in your kitchen. This classic Asian-inspired dish brings together tender strips of chicken and impossibly vibrant broccoli florets, all wrapped in a glossy, savory sauce with just a hint of warmth from garlic and ginger. Whether you’re craving a healthier takeout alternative or need something family-friendly in under 30 minutes, you’ll fall head over heels for the vivid tastes, the lightning-fast cooking time, and the pure comfort of Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together this satisfying stir fry is a breeze, and each ingredient has a job to do—from building richness to adding crunch and fragrance. Don’t let the short list fool you: these basics layer up into a sauce and texture combination you’ll crave over and over again.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Sliced thin, this protein cooks fast and stays succulent in the sauce.
• Fresh broccoli florets (3 cups): The star veggie, offering crisp-tender bites and a gorgeous green pop.
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): High-heat neutral oil keeps everything sizzling without altering flavor.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Adds aromatic, savory depth to every bite.
• Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Lends bright, zesty warmth and a little punch.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Builds a flavorful, light sauce without overpowering.
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The backbone of umami, balancing salt and deep savoriness.
• Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the stir fry body, gloss, and a subtle sweetness.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Essential for thickening the sauce to that classic, silky consistency.
• Water (1 tablespoon): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and rounds out the sauce mix.
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a final nutty richness and authentic aroma.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat kick—feel free to leave them out or add extra!

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly-sliced chicken and give it plenty of room to brown—this quick sear locks in juices while building savory flavor. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes, just until the chicken loses its pink color, then scoop it onto a plate and set aside. This bit of pre-cooking ensures you’ll have perfect, tender morsels once it’s combined with the sauce.

Step 2: Stir Fry the Aromatics

With the chicken resting, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring briskly for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with that distinctive fragrant sizzle—this is where the base flavor of Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry starts to build real character.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pan, stirring quickly so they get coated in the garlicky ginger oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until the color brightens and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Don’t overcook here; you want punchy green color and a gentle crunch for contrast against the saucy chicken.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

While the broccoli is cooking, whisk up your sauce in a small bowl: combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Mixing the cornstarch with water at this stage prevents any lumps in the final dish. This glossy mixture is the umami-packed marvel that brings the whole stir fry together.

Step 5: Finish the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, pour your sauce mixture all over, and toss everything together to coat. Keep the heat at medium-high and stir as the sauce comes to a gentle boil; within 2–3 minutes, it will thicken beautifully and glaze every morsel of chicken and broccoli. If you’re craving a little heat, sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes now. Serve your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry piping hot, and watch the satisfied smiles pop up around the table.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

A well-placed garnish does more than look pretty—it elevates the aroma and the finish of your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Try showering on sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil. For a boost of color and crunch, a quick scatter of julienned red bell pepper or carrots works wonders.

Side Dishes

This stir fry absolutely sings served over a steaming bed of jasmine or brown rice, but don’t stop there! Noodles (like soba or rice noodles) catch the sauce beautifully, while a side of egg-drop soup or quick kimchi offers a satisfying, complete meal. Whatever you choose, use the sides as an excuse to mop up every last drop of that irresistibly savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to shake up the weeknight routine, try plating your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in a shallow bowl or atop fried rice for a dinner party effect. For lunch the next day, pile leftovers into lettuce cups for a light but bold twist, or wrap in warm tortillas for an Asian fusion spin. Presentation makes this humble dish feel instantly festive and fresh!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry stores perfectly for a quick meal later in the week. Simply let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The key is storing chicken and broccoli together with the sauce to maintain maximum flavor and moisture.

Freezing

This stir fry is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Place completely cooled Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in a sealed, freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, try to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and preserve the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stir halfway through and use medium power for even heating. Either way, the vibrant flavors rebound beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs make the stir fry juicier and slightly richer thanks to their higher fat content. Just slice them thin, as you would the breasts, and follow the same cooking time for perfect results.

What other vegetables can I add?

The beauty of Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is its flexibility. Try sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to amp up color, flavor, and nutrition. Just add firmer veggies with the broccoli, and quick-cooking ones a bit later in the process.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Swap the regular soy sauce and oyster sauce for certified gluten-free versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt for dietary needs.

Can I make this without oyster sauce?

While oyster sauce gives a unique depth, you can leave it out or substitute with hoisin sauce for a savory-sweet result, or double up on soy sauce with a pinch of brown sugar for balance. The stir fry will still turn out delicious.

How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?

The trick is to cook the broccoli quickly at high heat, just until it’s tender enough to pierce but still snappy. Avoid overcooking, which can dull the color and make it mushy. You can even blanch the florets for a minute first for guaranteed green brilliance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra satisfying about serving up a big pan of homemade Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry—it’s bright, bold, and makes any night feel special. Whether you’re a seasoned stir fry fan or just dipping your toes in, this classic is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the color, crunch, and comfort in every bite!

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