Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
chicken and broccoli stir fry

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

Units Scale

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

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

  • Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add shrimp during the last 3–4 minutes

  • Tofu Version: Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and pan-seared first

🥦 Veggie Add-Ins

  • Bell peppers

  • Snow peas

  • Carrots (julienned)

  • Mushrooms

  • 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

  • Author: Emma
  • 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
ahrefs-site-verification_cb2d2902077a30d58b72c49921b5bc3179d1505ac1848cd914198c5cd392c04a