If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, this Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender slices of chicken pair perfectly with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all tossed in an irresistible garlic soy sauce that’s so quick to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends—or just treating yourself—this dish delivers that perfect balance of health and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here! The simplicity of these ingredients makes this Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe both approachable and delightful. Each one brings something vital to the table whether it’s texture, taste, or a pop of color that makes the dish shine.
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced thin: Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and vibrant green color, plus those valuable nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Essential for that perfect stir-fry sizzle; use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic depth.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, balancing savory and umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet complexity that elevates the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance savory flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy consistency.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: A nutty crunch and pretty finishing touch every time.
How to Make Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Pan and Cook the Chicken
Start by warming your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the thinly sliced chicken. Let it sear until it’s nicely browned and almost cooked through; this ensures juicy pieces that will soak up the sauce without drying out.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Next, toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Stir fry everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial – it softens the broccoli just enough to remain crisp and bright green while infusing the dish with that savory garlic aroma.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauces and Honey
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Stir everything well, coating the chicken and broccoli in the glossy, flavorful sauce. The combination here is a classic that brings savory, sweet, and umami notes together in total harmony.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, stir the cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) into the skillet. Cook just a minute or two until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to every piece. This is what gives the dish its rich texture and takeout-style finish.
How to Serve Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sesame seeds liberally over the dish just before serving. These add a subtle nutty crunch and an attractive touch of texture that makes the plate inviting and complete.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce or simple stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. You can also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad to add some cooling freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir fry in large lettuce cups for a hand-held delight or pile it on top of cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of flavor and a colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The broccoli might soften a bit, but reheating gently over low heat will help revive the texture without making the chicken rubbery.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Let it cool completely, then pack it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the broccoli from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir fry to avoid a soggy dish.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re avoiding shellfish or want a vegetarian option, hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of mushroom sauce are great alternatives that keep the umami flavor intact.
How spicy is this Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe?
The recipe itself isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat by tossing in some chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a drizzle of sriracha to suit your taste.
Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast?
Yes, using chicken thighs will add more richness and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s cooked through and tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or substitute accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe has all the hallmarks of a beloved family favorite—quick, flavorful, healthy, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t recommend it enough for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but fuss-free. Give it a try and watch it become one of your kitchen staples, too!
Print
Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and healthy Asian-inspired stir fry featuring tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a flavorful garlic soy and oyster sauce, finished with a touch of honey for sweetness and garnished with sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for stir frying.
- Cook the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and cook, stirring intermittently, until browned on the outside and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets, stir frying together for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant.
- Mix in sauces and honey: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey; stir well to evenly coat the chicken and broccoli.
- Add cornstarch slurry: Whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry; add this to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving hot, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for additional color and nutrition.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
