There's something deeply satisfying about whipping up a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant, and this Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry hits that sweet spot without breaking a sweat. With just a little over half an hour from start to finish, even a busy weeknight can transform into a mini culinary escape. Tender strips of chicken mingle with crisp-tender broccoli in a savory sauce that’s bursting with umami, all while filling the kitchen with delightful sizzles and pops. For home cooks of any skill level—especially those still mastering the art of stir-fry—this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity, earning it a permanent spot in my weeknight dinner rotation.
This dish isn’t just about convenience; it’s a perfect marriage of wholesome ingredients and bright flavors. Lean protein from the chicken, a vibrant hit of vitamins from the broccoli, and a sauce that ties everything together make it a balanced meal you can serve over fluffy rice or silky noodles. Plus, with beginner-friendly techniques like marinating and quick sautéing, you’ll gain confidence and be ready to customize—maybe adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes next time or tossing in extra veggies. Trust me, once you taste those pockets of garlic and ginger-infused sauce clinging to each tender bite, you’ll find yourself sharing this recipe with friends and family in no time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Every great stir-fry starts with fresh, quality elements. Below is a breakdown of the main players in this recipe and how each contributes to a harmonious, flavorful dish.
- Chicken Breasts
Lean and tender, these slices of chicken breast provide the hearty protein base. Cutting them into thin strips ensures quick, even cooking and lets the sauce cling to every piece.
- Broccoli Florets
Bright green and crunchy, fresh florets add both texture and nutrients. Their slight bite pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a balanced mouthfeel.
- Vegetable Oil
A neutral oil that heats up quickly and withstands high temperatures, making it ideal for stir-frying without burning delicate aromatics.
- Soy Sauce
This fermented seasoning introduces deep umami notes and a hint of saltiness, forming the backbone of the savory sauce.
- Oyster Sauce
Rich and slightly sweet, oyster sauce amplifies the savory depth and gives the sauce a glossy finish that makes every bite look as good as it tastes.
- Sesame Oil
Just a drizzle of this aromatic oil rounds out the sauce with its nutty, toasty flavor, adding complexity without overpowering.
- Cornstarch
Acting as a thickener, cornstarch creates that silky, clingy sauce that wraps around chicken and broccoli in every forkful.
- Chicken Broth
A splash of broth brings moisture and ensures the sauce isn’t too intense, while boosting the savory profile with built-in chicken richness.
- Garlic
Minced and fragrant, garlic releases a punch of flavor as soon as it hits the hot oil, setting the stage for the entire stir-fry.
- Fresh Ginger
Grated for maximum zing, fresh ginger cuts through richness with a warm spiciness, brightening the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings to taste, enhancing the natural flavors and ensuring each ingredient shines.
- Optional Garnish: Sesame Seeds and Chopped Scallions
A final flourish of sesame seeds adds crunch and visual appeal, while scallions lend a fresh, onion-like vibrancy.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, get your mise en place ready: have your sauces measured, vegetables prepped, and chicken sliced. This recipe moves quickly once you start, so staying organized is key. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home.
1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, then sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently so they become bright green and slightly tender yet still crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Give the sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine any settled cornstarch, then pour it evenly over the contents of the pan.
6. Stir everything together, making sure each piece of chicken and floret is coated. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy finish.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat to preserve the vibrant colors and textures.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for extra crunch and freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
When it comes to enjoying this Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry, the fun lies in the little choices that elevate your meal. Whether you’re plating it for a casual family dinner or presenting it to impressed guests, these serving ideas will spark even more joy in every bite.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing. The fragrant, slightly sticky rice soaks up every drop of sauce, turning each mouthful into a comforting blend of savory and subtly sweet.
- Toss with egg noodles for a noodle bowl twist. Cook the noodles al dente, then gently fold them into the finished stir-fry so they pick up all that caramelized flavor and sauce coating.
- Pair with a side of crunchy Asian slaw to add a refreshing contrast. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame-soy dressing bring brightness and texture against the warm stir-fry.
- Drizzle with a homemade chili oil or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The gentle heat elevates the richness of the sauce, perfect for those who like a bold flavor profile.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Storing your Chicken and Broccoli properly means you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal any time, even on the busiest days. Follow these tips to keep everything fresh, flavorful, and ready to reheat.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container
Once the stir-fry has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into a sealed container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days, maintaining both texture and taste.
- Freeze for Longer Shelf Life
For make-ahead convenience, place cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Gently
To preserve the crunchy broccoli, reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwaving works too—cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Separate Sauce for Meal Prep
If planning meals in advance, store the chicken and broccoli apart from the sauce. Combine and heat together just before serving to keep textures bright and fresh.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this Chicken and Broccoli recipe into your kitchen offers more than just a delicious meal—it’s a celebration of simple techniques delivering big flavors. From slicing the chicken into tender strips to stir-frying crisp broccoli and crafting a glossy, well-balanced sauce, you’ve learned how each ingredient and step contributes to a satisfying dish. Beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe demonstrates how a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce can transform into a nourishing dinner. The balance of protein, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauce makes it a nutritious weeknight staple, earning rave reviews from family and friends alike.
Feel free to print this article and save it for your recipe binder or digital collection—you never know when you’ll need a go-to solution for busy evenings. Below you’ll find a FAQ section to answer common questions and troubleshoot any cooking concerns you might have. If you give this recipe a try, please leave your comments, questions, or feedback. I’d love to hear how it turned out, any creative tweaks you made, or if you need tips on mastering the stir-fry technique. Your cooking adventures and shared stories are what make this culinary journey truly special!
Chicken and Broccoli
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli recipe features tender chicken strips and crisp broccoli enveloped in a savory sauce, perfect for any weeknight dinner! Easy, delicious, and wholesome.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Give the sauce mixture a quick stir to recombine, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli in the pan.
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Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
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Serve hot, garnished with optional sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Note
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish while stir-frying.
- This recipe can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Steaming the broccoli briefly before adding to the pan can make it more tender.
