If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together in about 20 minutes, this Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender chicken breast pieces paired with crisp broccoli florets, all enveloped in a savory and slightly sweet garlic soy sauce. It’s a delightful balance of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and fresh, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but amazingly satisfying. The ease of the recipe means you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed, making it a staple you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an important role in building the dish’s overall flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken to the crunchy broccoli and the aromatic garlic, every item harmonizes beautifully in the pan.
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced thin: Ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Used for a perfect sear and stir-frying without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the sauce.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides that essential salty umami backbone everyone loves in stir fries.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness with a hint of ocean flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances savory elements with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water: This slurry thickens the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to chicken and broccoli.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a toasty nutty finish and a pretty visual touch.
How to Make Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast thinly to ensure quick cooking and tender texture. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets to keep things easy to eat and evenly cooked. Mince the garlic finely so it releases that irresistible aroma throughout the stir fry. Having everything prepped and ready before you turn on the heat makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken and let it brown nicely on one side before stirring. This step locks in flavor and gives a pleasant caramelized taste. Cook the chicken until it’s nearly done – just a minute or two shy of completely cooked through – since it will finish cooking with the broccoli and sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Toss in the minced garlic immediately after the chicken looks nearly ready. Sauté briefly until the garlic is fragrant but not burned. Then add the broccoli florets, stirring constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes. This keeps the broccoli crisp-tender, ensuring it still has a bit of snap and vibrant color rather than going mushy.
Step 4: Create the Sauce and Combine
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey until the honey dissolves. Pour this sauce into the skillet, stirring everything together to coat chicken and broccoli evenly. Then whisk the cornstarch and water to create a slurry and add it to the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened to the perfect glossy consistency that clings delightfully to every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Once the broccoli stir fry with chicken is saucy and thickened, remove from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add a hint of crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor. Your dish is now ready to be served hot and enjoyed!
How to Serve Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds elevates the look and taste of this dish instantly. For a pop of color and freshness, finely chopped green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe shines as a main dish but pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, fluffy jasmine rice, or even stir-fried noodles. These sides help soak up the luscious sauce and complement the textures wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lunchbox or casual dinner, serve this stir fry in a bowl over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Another fun twist is to spoon it onto crispy wonton cups or inside lettuce wraps for added crunch and an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The broccoli may soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious, making it perfect for next-day quick meals.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that broccoli’s texture may change after thawing and reheating. If freezing, pack in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain as much crispness as possible. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep textures closer to fresh-cooked.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and can add juiciness and rich flavor. Just slice them similarly thin for quick, even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it necessary to use oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds a unique depth and subtle sweetness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce combined with a small splash of fish sauce for similar umami effect.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce to maintain rich savory flavors.
What’s the best way to keep broccoli crunchy?
Cook broccoli on high heat for a short time, avoid over-stirring, and don’t cover the pan. This keeps it crisp-tender and full of bright green color.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn add fantastic color, crunch, and nutrition. Add these alongside or shortly after the broccoli depending on their cooking times.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe is a go-to for anyone craving a deliciously balanced meal that doesn’t take all day to prepare. It brings wholesome ingredients together in a way that feels indulgent yet healthy, making every bite a celebration of flavors and textures. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy how easy it is to bring vibrant Asian-inspired comfort to your table any day of the week.
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Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and healthy broccoli stir fry with tender chicken breast pieces tossed in a flavorful garlic soy and oyster sauce, finished with a touch of honey and garnished with sesame seeds. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Oils
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Thickener
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and broccoli florets, then continue stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the garlic is fragrant.
- Mix the sauce: Stir together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey in a small bowl, then pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Add cornstarch slurry and thicken: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry; add it to the skillet and cook while stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your broccoli chicken stir fry hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for more color and nutrition.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
