If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes — quick to make, healthy, delicious, and satisfying — then I am so excited to share this Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe with you! This vibrant dish features tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli florets all tossed in a mouthwatering garlic soy sauce. It’s an effortless way to get protein and greens on your plate fast, and it never gets old. The balance of savory and sweet flavors combined with the perfect texture will have you coming back to this recipe week after week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each one plays a key role: tender chicken for protein, broccoli bringing fresh crunch and color, and a luscious garlic soy sauce that ties it all together with depths of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Broccoli florets: Crisp and vibrant, delivering a healthy dose of vitamins and texture.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to pack a punch of flavor into the dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami richness while keeping sodium in check.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory soy sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect glaze.
- Chicken broth: Builds depth and tenderizes the sauce.
- Sesame oil: A final aromatic drizzle that uplifts the entire dish.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing chicken and broccoli with a hint of fruitiness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- Ginger (optional): Brings a fresh, zesty note that complements the garlic beautifully.
How to Make Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Whisk these together until smooth and set the mixture aside. This sauce will become the flavorful coating that brings everything together wonderfully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can cook the veggies without overcooking the meat.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same pan, add the broccoli florets. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until they are crisp-tender. This keeps the broccoli full of life and nutrients while retaining just the right amount of crunch.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and optional ginger, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics add layers of bold flavor and warmth to the dish, making each bite irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Add Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli, tossing everything together. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and perfectly coats each bite with a glossy, savory glaze.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil
Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry for a lovely fragrance and subtle nutty taste that elevates the entire dish. Now it’s ready to be served hot and enjoyed!
How to Serve Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can make all the difference. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for a beautiful crunch and pop of color. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This stir fry stands beautifully on its own, but for a heartier meal, serve it over steamed rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each choice complements the dish’s flavors while adding your preferred texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make a quick meal feel special? Try serving the stir fry in lettuce wraps or over rice noodles to mix things up. You can also bulk it up with additional veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for gorgeous color contrasts and extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe on hand, freezing is a great option. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Just be aware that broccoli texture may slightly soften after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps revive the sauce’s consistency and keeps everything moist. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is versatile. You can swap chicken for beef strips, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is perfectly cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute in place of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients naturally contain no gluten, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No worries! You can replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as thickening agents. Just use the same amount to achieve the same silky sauce consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms all pair wonderfully with this stir fry. Adding more veggies adds both nutrition and color, making your meal even more vibrant and exciting.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce when cooking the garlic. It’s an easy way to customize heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe a try because it’s one of those go-to meals that never disappoint. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and so nourishing, it’s a dinner winner that you can whip up any night of the week. Your taste buds and your busy schedule will thank you!
Print
Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick & Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a delicious and protein-packed meal featuring tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli florets, tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger (optional)
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken broth
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth until smooth. Set aside to use later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until they become crisp-tender but still bright green.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger (if using), cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture.
- Thicken the sauce: Cook everything together for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry, toss gently, and serve hot. Enjoy over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if desired.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for more color and crunch.
- Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a paleo-friendly thickener.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
