Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich homemade stir fry sauce. This Asian-inspired favorite delivers bold flavor while using simple ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores. A short marinade helps the chicken stay juicy, while fresh garlic and ginger add plenty of aroma to every bite. Ready in only 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you want a wholesome homemade dinner that tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant version.
At Richy Bites, we believe everyday cooking should be simple, flavorful, and enjoyable. Alessia loves creating recipes that help families prepare fresh meals without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry combines tender pieces of chicken with perfectly cooked broccoli in a glossy sauce that’s packed with savory, slightly sweet, and garlicky flavors. Every ingredient complements the others, creating a balanced meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its speed. Most of the preparation can be completed before cooking begins, allowing the stir fry to come together in just a few minutes once the skillet is hot. It’s an excellent option for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | Asian Inspired |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1 pound |
| Low sodium soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Japanese rice wine or dry sherry | 1 teaspoon |
| Sriracha or Asian chili sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
For the Stir Fry Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low sodium chicken broth | 1/3 cup |
| Oyster sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Brown sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Japanese rice wine or dry sherry | 1 tablespoon |
| Sriracha or chili sauce | 1 to 3 teaspoons |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
For the Stir Fry
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Garlic, minced | 4 to 6 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, minced | 1 tablespoon |
| Broccoli florets | 4 to 5 cups |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetable or peanut oil | 2 tablespoons |
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice wine, chili sauce, and baking soda. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15 to 30 minutes while preparing the vegetables and sauce.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, black pepper, and chili sauce until smooth. Set the sauce aside until needed.
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for about two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. The chicken should not be fully cooked yet. Transfer it to a plate.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and stir fry for about 30 seconds. Pour in the water, then add the garlic and ginger. Continue cooking for another minute until the broccoli becomes bright green while remaining slightly crisp.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir the prepared sauce once more before pouring it over the chicken and broccoli. Cook while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats every ingredient. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness.
Serve immediately with steamed rice, brown rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Helpful Tips
Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to help create a tender texture.
Prepare all ingredients before heating the skillet because stir frying cooks very quickly.
Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth for better control over the seasoning.
Keep the broccoli slightly crisp for the best flavor and texture.
Cook the chicken only until lightly browned during the first step since it finishes cooking in the sauce.
Fresh garlic and fresh ginger provide the most vibrant flavor.
Adjust the amount of chili sauce depending on how spicy you prefer the dish.
Recipe Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Savory, lightly sweet, with garlic and ginger |
| Texture | Juicy chicken with crisp tender broccoli |
| Occasion | Family dinners, meal prep, quick weeknight meals |
| Method | Stir Fry |
| Best Served With | Rice, noodles, cauliflower rice |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Depends on serving size |
| Protein | High |
| Carbohydrates | Moderate |
| Fat | Moderate |
| Fiber | Moderate |
| Sodium | Varies depending on sauces used |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sauce for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?
A flavorful combination of oyster sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and cornstarch creates a glossy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and broccoli while delivering balanced savory flavor.
How do you keep chicken tender in Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Marinating the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda helps produce exceptionally tender meat. Cooking the chicken only until lightly browned before allowing it to finish in the sauce also helps preserve its moisture.
Can you make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce, marinate the chicken, and chop the vegetables up to two days in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
How do you store and reheat Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of chicken broth while reheating.
Storage Instructions
Allow the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the sauce to its original consistency.
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, Easy Better Than Takeout Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, fresh garlic, ginger, and a savory homemade stir fry sauce. A simple velveting marinade keeps the chicken juicy, while the entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon Japanese rice wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon Sriracha or Asian chili sauce
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup oyster sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Japanese rice wine or dry sherry
1 to 3 teaspoons Sriracha or Asian chili sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
4 to 5 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
Sliced green onions, optional for garnish
Sesame seeds, optional for garnish
Instructions
1. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice wine, chili sauce, and baking soda to a large bowl or resealable bag.
2. Add the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
4. Whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, chili sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the chicken and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly golden but not fully cooked.
7. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
8. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
9. Add the broccoli and stir fry for about 30 seconds.
10. Add the water, minced garlic, and fresh ginger.
11. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
12. Return the chicken to the skillet.
13. Whisk the prepared sauce again and pour it over the chicken and broccoli.
14. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, the chicken is fully cooked, and the broccoli is crisp tender.
15. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
16. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes when using baking soda.
Use low sodium soy sauce and low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level.
Prepare all ingredients before heating the skillet because stir frying cooks very quickly.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks consistently.
Do not fully cook the chicken during the first stir fry step because it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Avoid overcooking the broccoli so it stays bright and crisp tender.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for the strongest flavor.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha or chili sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a dependable recipe that combines juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce into one quick and satisfying meal. Its simple preparation, balanced flavors, and versatility make it a wonderful addition to any weekly meal plan. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing lunches for the week, this easy stir fry offers delicious homemade flavor that you’ll want to make again and again.