Name: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup chicken broth or water; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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There’s just something magical about a sizzling skillet of Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry — vibrant green broccoli, golden bites of tender chicken, and a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is a weeknight hero: fast, fresh, and full of flavor. If you love meals that are as beautiful to look at as they are irresistible to eat, you’ll fall head over heels for this easy stir fry. One pan, wholesome ingredients, and a sauce that tastes like you ordered takeout (but better!) — what could be better?

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is that it relies on simple staples you likely have on hand, but each ingredient punches above its weight in taste or texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus how each element brings this dish to life.

Chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking, and perfectly tender when sliced thin and marinated.
Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred): Adds deep umami and seasons both the chicken and the sauce without overpowering the veggies.
Cornstarch: Helps seal in the chicken’s juices and gives the sauce its signature silky texture.
Vegetable oil: High heat, neutral flavor — ideal for stir-frying and letting other ingredients shine.
Broccoli florets: A classic choice for color, crunch, and nutrition — they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Fresh ginger: Grated ginger provides a little heat and bright, peppery undertones.
Chicken broth or water: Loosens the sauce, creating plenty to coat all your chicken and broccoli pieces.
Oyster sauce: Delivers the signature savory-sweet complexity found in your favorite takeout.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and depth — it’s the secret to a truly memorable stir fry sauce.
Sesame oil: Just a splash for nutty richness that lingers on the palate.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds gentle heat and a pop of color — totally adjustable to your spice preference.
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional, for garnish): These finishing touches make the final dish feel special, adding crunch and freshness.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breast with low-sodium soy sauce and a spoonful of cornstarch in a medium bowl. This quick marinade does double duty: it seasons the chicken all the way through and guarantees every piece will cook up juicy and tender. Let the chicken soak up that flavor magic while you prep your other ingredients — about 10 to 15 minutes does the trick.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread the chicken in a single layer so it browns instead of steams. Stir-fry for four to five minutes — you want those pieces lightly golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken out of the pan and keep it handy for later. The sizzle and aroma as the chicken browns is the first sign that your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is well on its way.

Step 3: Stir-fry the Broccoli

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your now-empty skillet. Toss in those beautiful broccoli florets and give them a brisk stir-fry for two to three minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them bloom for 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s working when the kitchen smells incredible!

Step 4: Steam Until Tender-Crisp

Pour in the chicken broth (or water, if you like things lighter), then quickly cover the skillet. The steam will help the broccoli turn bright green and tender on the outside, while still keeping a nice crunch. Just two to three minutes is all it takes. Lift the lid and marvel at how vibrant everything looks.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, a dash of sesame oil, and those optional red pepper flakes. Toss, toss, toss — you want every piece glossy and coated. Let it cook for one to two minutes more so the sauce thickens up and hugs every bite. The resulting Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is the very definition of weeknight perfection.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your stir fry with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for nutty crunch and sliced green onions for a burst of fresh, oniony brightness. Not only do these garnishes make the plate look extra inviting, but they also add that final layer of flavor and texture that sets a great Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry apart.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural alongside steaming bowls of jasmine or brown rice, which soak up all the delicious sauce. For a twist, try it over noodles or fluffy cauliflower rice if you’re looking for something lower-carb. It pairs beautifully with a simple soup or a crisp Asian slaw, making your meal feel like a colorful, healthy feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, serve your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in individual bowls with chopsticks for a restaurant-style touch. Or pile it high on a platter and top with extra garnishes for a family-style meal. For parties or meal prep, portion into containers with a scoop of rice for a grab-and-go lunch that’ll be the envy of the office.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, and your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry will keep well for up to three days. It’s just as tasty the second (or even third) time around!

Freezing

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry can be frozen for up to two months. Allow the stir fry to cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. For best texture, consider undercooking the broccoli slightly so it retains some crunch after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or toss in a hot skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce and keep everything moist. Broccoli may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavors will remain vibrant and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and stay juicy when cooked — they’re a great alternative if you prefer a richer flavor in your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this stir fry?

Yes! For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce. The dish is just as flavorful and protein-packed.

How spicy does the stir fry get with red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle background heat, but they’re completely optional. Adjust to your heat preference, or leave them out for a milder Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

What other vegetables can I add?

Snow peas, bell peppers, or thinly sliced carrots all work beautifully and add extra color and crunch. Mix and match depending on what you have in your fridge!

How do I make the recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are also gluten-free. You’ll enjoy the same flavors without any gluten worries.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dish worth adding to your weeknight dinner rotation, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is it. Deceptively easy, endlessly customizable, and seriously delicious, it brings all the joy of takeout right to your kitchen. Give it a try — chances are, it will become one of your absolute favorites too!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in this easy stir-fry recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Stir Fry:

3 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, add chicken, and stir-fry until cooked. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, stir-fry broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken broth, cover, and steam until tender.
Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, add sauces and seasonings. Cook until heated through. Garnish and serve.