There is nothing quite like the Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a vibrant, flavorful celebration of simple ingredients. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken with crisp, bright-green broccoli, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something wholesome and satisfying, this stir-fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the freshness of garlic and ginger to the umami richness in the sauces, every element works in harmony to create texture, depth, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a tender bite.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Essential for stir-frying to achieve that perfect sear without sticking.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings warmth and a subtle zing to the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Helps steam the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection.
- For the Sauce: A delicious blend of 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to create a rich, balanced coating.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Begin by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl—soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until everything is smooth and perfectly blended. Setting this aside early on allows the flavors to meld and saves you time once the cooking starts.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken pieces, cooking them until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once ready, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a moment. This step ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they release their amazing aroma but don’t burn. This quick step layers crucial flavor right at the base of your stir-fry.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and pour in the chicken broth or water. Cover the pan tightly and let the broccoli steam for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns bright green and is tender but still crisp—this balance is key for a delicious texture contrast against the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir-fry continuously for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken and broccoli. This finishing touch ties all the flavors together into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Your Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot over freshly steamed rice or toss it with your favorite noodles for a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top can elevate your stir-fry even further. These simple garnishes bring crunch and a fresh pop of color, making the dish feel even more inviting and polished.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with classic steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in a vibrant bowl, garnish with fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts, or even wrap the mixture inside lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld option. Presentation is half the joy, and these creative touches make mealtime feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days when you want something wholesome in a flash.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this stir-fry, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember that the broccoli may become slightly softer after thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if necessary to bring back moisture. Microwaving works too, though stirring halfway through helps heat everything evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic in this recipe, you can easily swap or add snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
Thin, uniform slices work best to ensure quick and even cooking. For easier slicing, slightly freeze the chicken for 15 minutes beforehand—this firms it up and makes it easier to cut.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth or water. The sauce remains flavorful and delicious even without meat.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds depth and umami, but if you’re vegetarian or allergic, you can use mushroom stir-fry sauce or a bit of hoisin sauce as an alternative for a similar richness.
How spicy is this dish?
The Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it kid-friendly and approachable. However, you can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce if you like some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe truly stands out as a quick, delicious way to bring wholesome ingredients to your table with big flavor and satisfying textures. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s bound to become a cherished staple in your cooking routine just like it is in mine.
Print
Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with crisp broccoli in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce, creating a classic Asian-inspired dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy way to elevate your dinner with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Steam the broccoli. Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth or water to the pan. Cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Combine and stir-fry. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, then stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Serve. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired, to complete the meal.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Broccoli can be replaced with other vegetables like bok choy or snap peas.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar for preferred sweetness level.
- To save time, use pre-cut broccoli florets and pre-minced garlic.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
