Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal, then Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is the dish you need to master. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this one-pan wonder is a go-to favorite that delivers every single time.
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Not only does this dish come together in under 30 minutes, it’s also nutrient-packed and easily customizable to suit different diets. The use of lean chicken and fiber-rich broccoli makes it a smart choice for those focused on clean eating or weight management. You’ll also benefit from the nutritional benefits of broccoli, which includes high levels of vitamin C, K, and antioxidants.
From a protein perspective, chicken is one of the most versatile and healthy proteins, low in fat and high in essential amino acids. For those keeping an eye on their macros, check out the USDA database on chicken as a lean protein source to see how it fits your dietary needs.
Why Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Is So Popular
- Fast cooking time—under 30 minutes from start to finish
- One-pan cleanup
- Full of umami-rich flavors
- Low-carb and adaptable to keto, paleo, or Whole30
- Easily scalable for meal prep or families
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make the perfect chicken and broccoli stir-fry:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for tenderness and flavor, though breasts can work too
- Broccoli: Fresh florets are best for crunch, but frozen works in a pinch
- Garlic & Ginger: Fresh versions offer the best punch of flavor
- Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These are your core flavoring agents
- Cornstarch: Helps create that classic, slightly glossy finish
- Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a hint of sweetness
- Neutral Oil: Like canola or vegetable, for high-heat cooking
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds heat if desired

Let’s Talk Sauce
The sauce is the soul of any stir-fry. You’ll want it to strike the perfect balance between salty, sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice.
- Soy sauce for salty depth
- Oyster sauce for savory, umami flavor
- Brown sugar or honey for sweetness
- Rice vinegar or lime juice to add acid
- Cornstarch slurry to thicken
- Optional: Sesame oil for nutty aroma
This balance can be tweaked depending on your palate or dietary needs. Want gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Watching sugar? Sub with monk fruit sweetener.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to get perfectly tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli every time:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Toss in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, and pepper
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high
- Add chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding
- Let it sear undisturbed before flipping
- Remove once golden and set aside
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and onion for about 30 seconds
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Add broccoli directly to the pan (no need to pre-boil!)
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender
- Combine & Sauce:
- Return chicken to the pan
- Pour in the pre-mixed sauce
- Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything
For a deep dive into proper stir-fry methods, refer to this guide on stir-frying technique to elevate your cooking game.
Test Kitchen Tips for Perfection
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches
- Stir-fry broccoli raw for best texture
- Let chicken sear undisturbed to get a flavorful crust
- Preheat the wok or skillet for that restaurant-style char
Recipe Variations to Try
You can customize this dish endlessly:
- Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari
- Spicy Version: Add chili paste or Sriracha
- Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken
- Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms
- Crunchy Add-Ins: Toss in cashews or sesame seeds
What to Serve With Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Stir-fried noodles or soba
- Miso soup or an Asian-style cucumber salad
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheating: Use a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce
- Freezing: Not recommended—broccoli gets mushy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much sauce—can make the dish soggy
- Overcooking broccoli—makes it mushy and dull
- Stirring chicken too soon—prevents proper browning
- Skipping cornstarch—sauce won’t thicken properly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken and broccoli sauce made of?
Usually a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
Is chicken and broccoli stir-fry healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein and fiber, and low in fat if you use lean chicken and minimal oil.
What Chinese dish is chicken and broccoli?
It’s a classic dish in Chinese-American cuisine often found in takeout menus, rooted in Cantonese stir-fry traditions.
Can I use frozen broccoli in stir-fry?
Yes, but thaw and pat it dry first to prevent water from thinning your sauce.
What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Use a neutral high smoke point oil like canola, avocado, or peanut oil.
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Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and flavorful chicken and broccoli stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or thawed frozen broccoli) • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating the chicken) • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp oyster sauce • 1 tbsp brown sugar • ¾ cup water • 1½ tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil) • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) • Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Toss chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. 2. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Let it sear without moving for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate. 3. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir in garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. **Stir-Fry the Broccoli:** Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. 5. **Make the Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). 6. **Combine & Cook:** Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. 7. **Serve Immediately:** Best served over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil at the end. You can also use bell peppers or snap peas instead of (or in addition to) broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg