Busy weeknights call for meals that are quick, healthy, and full of flavor, and this 30-minute chicken and broccoli stir-fry checks all the boxes. Made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce, this easy stir-fry delivers restaurant-quality results without the wait or the extra calories. It’s a go-to recipe when you need dinner on the table fast.
What makes this dish stand out is its simple ingredient list and bold flavor. A combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness creates a perfectly balanced sauce that coats every bite. Unlike takeout, you control the sodium, sweetness, and spice level, making it a healthier option the whole family will love.
This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is also incredibly versatile and customizable. Serve it over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can easily swap proteins, add extra vegetables, or adjust the heat to suit your preferences, making it ideal for meal prep or using up what’s in your fridge.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping lunches for the week, this quick chicken stir-fry recipe is reliable, satisfying, and packed with protein and veggies. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular part of your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor—this chicken and broccoli stir-fry comes together fast with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for busy nights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Stir-Fry
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
-
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. -
Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in broccoli and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. -
Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Combine & Sauce
Return chicken to the pan. Pour in sauce and stir well.
Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. -
Serve
Remove from heat and garnish as desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy as-is.
Notes
Cooking Tips for Best Results
-
Slice the chicken thin and evenly
Cut against the grain into uniform strips so it cooks quickly and stays tender. -
Prep everything first
Stir-fries move fast—have your sauce mixed and ingredients chopped before turning on the heat. -
Use high heat
Medium-high to high heat helps create a light sear and prevents the chicken from steaming. -
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Cook in batches if needed. Too much in the pan lowers the temperature and causes soggy results. -
Blanch broccoli for extra tenderness (optional)
If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch for 1–2 minutes before stir-frying. -
Let the sauce thicken naturally
Once added, don’t rush it—give it a minute or two to coat everything evenly. -
Taste before serving
Adjust salt, sweetness, or acidity with extra soy sauce, honey, or rice vinegar.
🔄 Recipe Variations
🥩 Protein Swaps
-
Beef & Broccoli: Use flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin
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Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add shrimp during the last 3–4 minutes
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Tofu Version: Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and pan-seared first
🥦 Veggie Add-Ins
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Bell peppers
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Snow peas
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Carrots (julienned)
-
Mushrooms
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Baby corn or water chestnuts
🌶 Flavor Variations
-
Spicy: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
-
Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic for bolder flavor
-
Sesame: Finish with 1–2 tsp toasted sesame oil
-
Orange Chicken Twist: Add ¼ cup fresh orange juice + orange zest
🥗 Dietary Adjustments
-
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice
-
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos
-
Lower Sodium: Reduce soy sauce and add extra water
-
Keto-Friendly: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
