Zesty Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Sizzling woks and bold flavors dance together in this delectable chicken and broccoli stir fry that promises to awaken every taste bud.

Quick and vibrant, this dish blends tender chicken pieces with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such a remarkable meal in minutes.

The secret lies in high heat and precise timing, allowing each ingredient to shine brilliantly.

Fresh broccoli adds a delightful green crunch while succulent chicken brings satisfying protein to the plate.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this easy, restaurant-quality stir fry that comes together faster than takeout.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 263 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the stir fry, best when using fresh, boneless chicken breast for tender, juicy bites.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's taste, choose fresh cloves for the most vibrant punch.
• Ginger: Zesty root that brings a warm, spicy undertone to the dish, opt for fresh ginger root for maximum flavor intensity.

• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich liquid that creates a savory foundation, select a high-quality brand for authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness of soy sauce and adds a subtle sweetness, helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and depth of flavor, use low-sodium version for better control of dish's saltiness.
• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into a silky, clingy sauce, ensure it's fully dissolved for smooth texture.

• Broccoli: Crisp, nutritious green that adds vibrant color and fresh crunch, select firm florets with tight, bright green clusters.

Tools for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Success

• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients and creating slurry.
• Whisk: Essential for blending cornstarch and liquid smoothly.
• Nonstick skillet or wok: Key tool for stir-frying chicken and broccoli without sticking.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent ingredients from burning.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board and knife: Needed for preparing chicken and broccoli.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.

How to Cook Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Flavor Fusion

Create a tangy sauce by blending soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside for later.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat a wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken with fragrant garlic and ginger, cooking until golden and crispy on all sides.

• Sauce Coating

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a delicious glaze. Lower the heat, cover, and let the flavors mingle for several minutes.

• Broccoli Brilliance

Introduce bright green broccoli florets to the pan, gently tossing to absorb the savory sauce. Cook until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp.

• Sauce Transformation

Create a quick cornstarch slurry and drizzle it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a luscious, glossy coating that clings to the chicken and broccoli.

• Serving Sensation

Transfer the steaming stir fry onto a bed of fluffy rice or twirling noodles. Enjoy the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Stir Fry Tips and Ingredient Swaps

• Quick Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the finished dish for an extra burst of texture and aroma.
• Spice Adventure: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce for those who enjoy a warming kick in their stir fry.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create entirely different flavor profiles while keeping the core recipe structure intact.
• Veggie Power-Up: Expand the vegetable mix by including sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to increase nutritional value and create more colorful presentations.

Serving Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Smartly

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this vibrant stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the savory sauce to seep into every grain for a mouthwatering experience.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Companion: Pair with a crisp side salad dressed in a light sesame vinaigrette to balance the rich, umami flavors of the chicken and broccoli.
• Protein Power Bowl: Create a hearty meal by topping the stir fry with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of nutrition and flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Family Feast: Complement the dish with light egg rolls or spring rolls on the side, offering a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and broccoli.

Leftover Storage for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.
• Refrigerator Freshness Strategy: Store leftover stir fry in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it crisp and delicious for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, allowing convenient reheating when needed.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm refrigerated stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive moisture and restore the dish's original vibrant flavor and texture.

Speedy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Quick chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers authentic Chinese flavors with crisp vegetables and tender meat. Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce combine for a delicious meal you can prepare in under 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, boneless (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 tsp ginger (finely chopped)
• Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until silky smooth, eliminating any lumps for a perfect base.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray, then introduce chicken, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry rapidly to achieve a golden, caramelized exterior within 3 minutes.
3. Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared sauce over chicken, coating thoroughly and allowing flavors to meld. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Vegetable Integration: Add broccoli florets to the simmering mixture, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Continue cooking covered for an additional 5 minutes until broccoli reaches a vibrant, tender-crisp consistency.
5. Sauce Refinement: Create a quick cornstarch slurry with remaining chicken broth, stirring continuously into the skillet to transform the sauce into a glossy, thick glaze.
6. Plating: Remove from heat and serve over steamed rice or noodles, presenting a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that showcase the dish’s depth and complexity.

Notes

• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cornstarch lumps for a silky, even sauce texture.
• Heat Management: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning garlic and ginger.
• Moisture Trapping: Cover skillet during cooking to lock in flavors and keep chicken tender and juicy.
• Sauce Thickening: Create a cornstarch slurry for a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce consistency that clings perfectly to chicken and broccoli.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg