Craving a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal? This chicken and broccoli recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights, offering the perfect balance of protein, fresh veggies, and a rich, savory sauce. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb chicken recipe, a simple one-pan meal, or a delicious Asian-style stir-fry, this dish delivers on all fronts.
With tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and a mouthwatering garlic-ginger sauce, this meal is both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option. Ready to whip up a takeout-worthy dish in under 30 minutes? Let’s get cooking!
Key Benefits of This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This chicken and broccoli recipe isn’t just another stir-fry—it’s a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal that checks all the right boxes. Whether you’re a busy home cook or just looking for a healthier alternative to takeout, here’s why you’ll love this dish:
– Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
– One-Pan Meal – Less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy your food.
– Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich broccoli, and a flavorful yet light sauce.
– Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra veggies for variety.
– Better Than Takeout – Skip the excess oil and sodium while still enjoying bold, restaurant-quality flavors.
Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep—make a batch ahead of time and enjoy a fuss-free, delicious meal anytime. Now, let’s get into what you’ll need to make it!
Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Before you start cooking, gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create a perfectly balanced chicken and broccoli stir-fry with bold flavors and a satisfying texture.
For the Chicken & Broccoli:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, sliced thinly)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized for even cooking)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (for a hint of warmth)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (balances saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds rich umami)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (mellows the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (keeps the dish saucy)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce.
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to add a touch of heat.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
- Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (for garnish)
Pro Tip: Prepping all your ingredients ahead of time makes stir-frying a breeze! Since this dish cooks quickly, having everything ready ensures perfect results. Now, let’s move on to the cooking process!
How to Make a Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Cooking this chicken and broccoli stir-fry is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to achieve tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together.
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breast into thin strips for even cooking.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 teaspoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon cornstarch. This quick marinade helps keep the meat juicy.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, chicken broth, and cornstarch slurry.
- Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch—this will give your sauce the perfect glossy thickness.
3. Cook the Broccoli
- Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Chicken
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken strips in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to develop a light sear.
- Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Combine Everything
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly to release their aroma.
- Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the stir-fry sauce.
- Stir well and let the sauce thicken for 1–2 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Take it off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a low-carb meal on its own.
Pro Tip: For extra depth of flavor, toast the sesame oil in the pan for a few seconds before adding the sauce. It enhances the nutty aroma and elevates the dish!
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your chicken and broccoli recipe to the next level? Here are some expert tips and fun variations to customize this dish to your taste!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli
– Slice Chicken Thinly – Cutting the chicken breast into thin strips ensures even cooking and a tender bite. Aim for ¼-inch thick pieces.
– Velvet the Chicken – Marinating the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch helps lock in moisture, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
– Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – For the perfect crisp-tender texture, stir-fry broccoli for just 2–3 minutes before adding it back at the end.
– Use a Hot Pan – Stir-frying works best with high heat to create a slight sear on the chicken while keeping it tender inside.
– Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If you like a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch. For a thinner, lighter sauce, add more chicken broth.
Delicious Variations
– Spicy Kick – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
– More Veggies – Toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and crunch.
– Nutty Twist – Stir in roasted cashews or peanuts for a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
– Citrusy Zing – A splash of fresh lemon or orange juice brightens up the dish and adds a hint of sweetness.
– Swap the Protein – Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different take on the classic stir-fry.
Pro Tip: Want extra sauce to coat your rice or noodles? Simply double the stir-fry sauce ingredients for a more saucy finish!
With these tips and variations, you can make this dish your own while keeping it easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and broccoli recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re craving a classic pairing or a lighter option, here are some delicious ways to serve it:
Classic Pairings
– Steamed White or Brown Rice – A perfect base that soaks up the flavorful sauce. Try jasmine or basmati rice for extra aroma.
– Noodles – Serve over lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a hearty, stir-fry-style meal.
– Fried Rice – Turn it into a full takeout-style feast by pairing it with homemade garlic fried rice or cauliflower fried rice for a low-carb option.
Low-Carb & Healthy Options
– Cauliflower Rice – A lighter, grain-free alternative that still absorbs the sauce beautifully.
– Over a Fresh Salad – Serve the stir-fry over a crunchy Asian slaw or a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing twist.
– Lettuce Wraps – Scoop the chicken and broccoli into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal.
Garnishes for Extra Flavor
- Toasted sesame seeds – Adds a nutty crunch.
- Chopped green onions – Brightens up the dish.
- Crushed peanuts or cashews – For extra texture.
- A squeeze of lime – Enhances freshness.
Pro Tip: Want to make it a full restaurant-style meal? Serve with spring rolls, miso soup, or a side of dumplings for a complete experience!
No matter how you serve it, this dish is a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This chicken and broccoli recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity, nutrition, and bold flavors, making it a must-try for any home cook. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s far healthier than takeout.
With its tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is endlessly customizable. Whether you spice it up with red pepper flakes, add extra veggies, or serve it with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The best part? It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, clean up, and meal prep for the week. So next time you’re craving something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this chicken and broccoli stir-fry will be your go-to!
FAQs
Have questions about making the best chicken and broccoli recipe? Here are some common ones to help you perfect this dish!
1. Is frozen broccoli a good substitute for fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well, but for the best texture, thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before stir-frying.
2. What’s the best way to keep the chicken tender?
For juicy, tender chicken, slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking. This technique, called velveting, locks in moisture.
3. Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Store any remaining portions in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or share your experience—I’d love to hear how your chicken and broccoli stir-fry turned out!
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