If you’re looking to add a new weeknight staple to your dinner rotation, you absolutely have to try this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry. It comes together in just about 25 minutes, bursts with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors, and brings the perfect harmony of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. This fast, better-than-takeout classic is a breeze to master no matter your kitchen skill level, and is guaranteed to brighten up your meal prep or family dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is in its simplicity—every ingredient gives something crucial to the finished dish. You don’t need a long grocery list, just a few fresh pantry staples that work together for maximum flavor, texture, and color.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for fast, even cooking and a tender bite in every forkful.
- Broccoli florets: Bring bright color, crunch, and a dose of healthy greens to the stir fry.
- Vegetable oil: Gives a neutral base that won’t overpower the aroma of garlic and ginger.
- Garlic cloves: Adds punchy depth and classic stir fry aroma when sautéed.
- Fresh ginger: Lends zippy, slightly peppery warmth that balances the savory sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The main source of umami and salt—choosing low-sodium keeps it well-seasoned but not too salty.
- Oyster sauce: Brings rich, slightly sweet complexity and a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats every piece of chicken and broccoli.
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the flavors and gives the sauce that authentic glossy sheen.
- Chicken broth or water: Adds moisture and helps blend all the flavors together while keeping the sauce just the right consistency.
- Sesame oil: Just a dash infuses the dish with smoky, nutty depth right at the end.
- Cooked rice (for serving): The classic, fluffy bed soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional garnish): For that finishing touch of color and crunch!
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Make the Stir Fry Sauce
Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This quick sauce is the backbone of your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry—full of umami, a little sweetness, and that irresistible glossy texture. Set it aside so it’s ready to go when you need it.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast in a single layer, letting it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly golden and just cooked through. A quick sauté keeps the chicken tender. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Stir Fry Broccoli and Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes, letting them get bright green and slightly crisp-tender. Push the broccoli to the side, add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute—this step unlocks all that mouthwatering aroma essential to Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken (with any juices) to the pan. Pour your prepped sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Stir everything together as the sauce quickly thickens and transforms the dish with its glossy finish. Let it bubble away for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is hot, saucy, and infused with flavor.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Spoon the hot Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry right over bowls of fluffy rice. For an extra-special touch, shower with sesame seeds and a smattering of green onions. Dig in while it’s steaming!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Sprinkle sesame seeds for nutty crunch and sliced green onions for a burst of bright, fresh flavor. Both add color and tie the whole bowl together, making your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple fluffy rice, but you can pair it with brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Love variety? Try adding a side of steamed edamame, fresh cucumber salad, or some crispy egg rolls to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry presentation up a notch by serving it in wide shallow bowls or atop a bed of soba noodles instead of rice. If you have leftovers, tuck them into lettuce cups or roll them up in thin pancakes for a fun, hands-on twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or busy night dinners.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for later? Portion cooled stir fry into freezer-safe containers. While the broccoli might lose some of its crunch after thawing, the flavors stay bright. Freeze for up to 2 months and let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed. You can also microwave it in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative for Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry. They’ll add even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just slice them thinly and follow the recipe as is.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can swap in hoisin sauce for a slightly different but equally delicious taste. You could also combine a little extra soy sauce with a splash of fish sauce and a bit more brown sugar for depth.
How can I make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry gluten-free?
It’s easy to make this dish gluten-free! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check your oyster sauce label for any wheat ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely—this stir fry is flexible! Try tossing in sliced bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or thinly sliced carrots. Just add them with the broccoli so they all finish cooking together.
Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients and keep it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just give it a stir before pouring it into the hot pan when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Once you master the flavors and simple steps of Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s fast, wholesome, customizable, and so satisfying—truly a weeknight hero. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are cooked in a savory sauce, served over fluffy rice, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Stir Fry: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the broccoli for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your oyster sauce label.
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