If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed meal that checks all the boxes—healthy, hearty, and absolutely delicious—this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is it. Ready in just about 25 minutes, it’s the kind of dish that turns a hectic weeknight into a satisfying dinner with minimal fuss. Tender slices of chicken coated in a glossy, savory sauce, perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, and all served over fluffy rice or noodles—it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Reliable: Done in under 30 minutes, start to finish. Ideal for those nights when you want something homemade, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Incredibly Tasty: The stir fry sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and just garlicky enough—exactly what you want clinging to juicy chicken and crisp veggies.
Healthy Choice: High in protein, packed with fiber-rich broccoli, and low on unnecessary additives, especially if you make the sauce from scratch.
One Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor. Everything cooks in one skillet or wok.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this stir fry to life—and why it matters:

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless and skinless is best; thinly sliced so it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Broccoli Florets: Use fresh for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and pat dry first.
Soy Sauce: This is the base of the stir fry sauce, bringing the deep umami flavor.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the sauce. Don’t skip this—it’s the stir fry’s secret weapon.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor. Stir fry without garlic? Never.
Ginger: Just a bit of fresh grated ginger makes the whole dish brighter and more vibrant.
Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken and thicken the sauce to that silky finish we love.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end adds a toasted, nutty aroma that really rounds out the flavors.
Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying at high heat without smoking.

Variations

Here’s how you can make this recipe your own:

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce if you like some heat.
More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for a colorful, veggie-packed version.
Low Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
Vegan Swap: Use tofu instead of chicken, and go with a plant-based oyster sauce or extra soy sauce.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Everything First

Slice the chicken thinly, chop the broccoli into small florets, and mince the garlic and ginger. Stir fries move fast—having everything ready is key.

Step 2: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Add a splash of water to thin it slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Broccoli

Add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until bright green and just tender. You can add a splash of water and cover it briefly to steam if the stalks are thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the stir fry sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats everything.

Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil

Drizzle with a bit of sesame oil just before serving for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Chicken Thinly Against the Grain: This ensures it stays tender and cooks evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If needed, cook the chicken in batches so it sears instead of steams.
Pre-Mix Your Sauce: Always mix your stir fry sauce ahead of time. You won’t have time to measure once the heat is on.
Use High Heat: Stir frying is all about quick cooking at high temperatures—don’t be afraid of a little sizzle.

How to Serve

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:

Over Rice:

White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice—whatever you love. The sauce soaks in and makes it all taste amazing.

With Noodles:

Toss the stir fry with cooked lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti for a noodle bowl twist.

As a Bowl:

Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice and top with sesame seeds, sliced scallions, or a squeeze of lime.

On Its Own:

Honestly, it’s satisfying enough to stand alone if you’re watching your carbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the stir fry cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for meal prep!

Freezing

You can freeze it, but the broccoli may get softer upon reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Otherwise, it might release too much water and steam the stir fry.

How do I keep the chicken tender?
Coating the chicken in a bit of cornstarch before cooking helps seal in moisture and keeps it from drying out. Also, don’t overcook it—just a few minutes on high heat is enough.

Is oyster sauce necessary?
It really adds that restaurant-style depth, but if you need a substitute, a mix of hoisin sauce and soy sauce can work in a pinch. Just adjust sweetness and salt levels.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook in batches so everything gets nicely browned and not overcrowded in the pan. More surface contact = better flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is proof that a fast dinner doesn’t have to be boring. It’s flavorful, healthy, endlessly customizable, and just downright satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or prepping meals for the week, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try—you might just retire your takeout menu!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe