Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a simple, flavorful meal that combines juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce in one skillet. Inspired by classic Asian cooking, this recipe delivers tender chicken with crisp vegetables coated in a rich garlic and ginger sauce. It’s an excellent choice when you need a satisfying dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal that’s fresher and lighter than most takeout options.
At Richy Bites, we enjoy sharing practical recipes that bring bold flavors to everyday cooking. Alessia believes that a handful of fresh ingredients and a few easy techniques can transform an ordinary dinner into something everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry offers the perfect combination of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a glossy sauce packed with garlic, ginger, and savory seasonings. The homemade sauce coats every bite without overpowering the fresh ingredients, creating a meal that’s both comforting and well balanced.
It’s also an incredibly flexible recipe. You can adjust the spice level, swap in different vegetables, or serve it with your favorite grain while still enjoying delicious results. Because everything cooks quickly in one pan, cleanup is just as easy as the preparation.
| 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
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 |
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 |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Stir Fry Ingredients
| 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
Start by combining the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice wine, chili sauce, and baking soda in a bowl or resealable bag. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for 15 to 30 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, black pepper, and additional chili sauce until smooth.
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for two to three minutes until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to cook completely at this stage. Transfer it to a clean plate.
Add the remaining oil to the skillet, followed by the broccoli. Stir fry for about 30 seconds before adding the water, garlic, and ginger. Continue cooking for another minute until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir the prepared sauce once more before pouring it over the chicken and broccoli. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and evenly coats every ingredient. Cook until the chicken is fully done and the broccoli reaches your preferred level of tenderness.
Serve immediately over hot rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
Helpful Tips
Allow enough time for the chicken to marinate because this helps create a more tender texture.
Prepare the vegetables and sauce before heating the skillet since stir frying moves very quickly.
Choose low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to better control the salt level.
Keep the broccoli slightly crisp so it retains its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Cook the chicken only until lightly browned during the first step because it finishes cooking in the sauce.
Use fresh garlic and ginger whenever possible for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of chili sauce to match your preferred level of heat.
Recipe Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Savory, slightly sweet, with garlic and ginger |
| Texture | Tender chicken with crisp broccoli |
| Occasion | Weeknight dinners, meal prep, family meals |
| Method | Stir Fry |
| Best Served With | Rice, noodles, cauliflower rice |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Varies by serving |
| Protein | High |
| Carbohydrates | Moderate |
| Fat | Moderate |
| Fiber | Moderate |
| Sodium | Depends on the sauces used |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sauce for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?
A homemade sauce made with oyster sauce, chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch creates a rich, glossy finish that perfectly complements the chicken and broccoli.
How do you keep chicken tender in Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Marinating the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda helps create an exceptionally tender texture. Cooking the chicken briefly before allowing it to finish in the sauce also helps prevent it from becoming dry.
Can you make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, and the sauce and vegetables can be prepared 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?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot. If the sauce has thickened during storage, stir in a small amount of chicken broth before serving.
Storage Instructions
Allow the Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. If you want to store it longer, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm slowly in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the sauce’s 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 fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, and a flavorful homemade sauce in one quick meal. Its simple preparation, balanced flavors, and versatility make it a wonderful option for busy weeknights or weekly meal prep. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a lighter alternative, this dish delivers satisfying flavor while proving that homemade dinners can be both easy and delicious.