There is nothing quite like a homemade stir-fry that bursts with flavor and delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken and crisp broccoli. The Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. It brings together juicy, thinly sliced chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets in a luscious, savory sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends, this recipe never fails to deliver both comfort and excitement in one pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this stir-fry lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to contribute rich flavors, appealing textures, and colorful appeal. With just a handful of kitchen staples and fresh produce, you’ll create a dish that feels both fresh and indulgent.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Provides tender and juicy protein that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics, balancing flavor without overpowering.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a hint of pungency that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a gentle warmth and bright zing.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Helps to steam the broccoli just right, keeping it crisp-tender.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds subtle sweetness and richness, enhancing the savory complexity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, ensuring a luscious coating on the chicken and broccoli.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances salty and savory notes with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a mild acidity that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a delicate nutty aroma to finish.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
The heart of any great stir-fry is in the sauce. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld, making every bite flavorful and balanced.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes total. Removing the chicken once cooked creates space to build your aromatic base without overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Use the same pan with the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir these around for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, filling your kitchen with enticing scents that promise a delicious meal ahead.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth or water to the pan, then cover it with a lid. This steams the broccoli gently, ensuring it’s tender yet still crisp and wonderfully green, which locks in freshness and nutrients in every mouthful. This takes about 2-3 minutes, the perfect tight window for vibrant texture.
Step 5: Combine and Stir-Fry
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Keep the heat on medium-high and stir-fry the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully, clinging to the chicken and broccoli with a glossy sheen that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once everything is beautifully coated and sizzling, it’s ready to serve. This Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe tastes amazing straight from the pan onto steamed rice or alongside noodles, absorbing every drop of that rich, balanced sauce.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your stir-fry to restaurant-quality in seconds. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions over the top to add a delightful crunch and fresh burst of flavor. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a few red chili flakes can also introduce a welcome aromatic or spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or even quinoa for a protein-packed option. For cooling contrast, a crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or a light Asian slaw works perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this stir-fry in crisp lettuce cups, turning it into a hands-on meal that’s both fresh and fun. Alternatively, plate it over stir-fried noodles with an extra splash of soy sauce and fresh herbs for a noodle bowl packed with texture and flavor. Presentation can turn a quick meal into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for even more delicious lunches or dinners. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain peak texture.
Freezing
While fresh is best for stir-fries, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Keep in mind the broccoli may soften a bit after freezing and thawing, so it’s best for using in quick meals or as a base to repurpose into soups or casseroles.
Reheating
Reheat your stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps revive the sauce’s glossy texture and warms the chicken without drying it out. Microwave reheating also works if you prefer, just cover loosely to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli with snap peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable to keep that perfect tender-crisp texture.
What cut of chicken works best for this stir-fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and slice thinly. However, boneless thighs are also great if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check that the oyster sauce you use is gluten-free. This way, the dish remains just as delicious without gluten.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe holds up well in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Just portion it out with your choice of sides for easy grab-and-go meals.
Can I add heat to the dish?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes during cooking, or serve with a drizzle of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who love a bit of spice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dependable, flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, you have to try the Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both homey and special, perfect for everyday dinners yet impressive enough to serve guests. Trust me, once you make this, it will likely become a go-to in your cooking rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe combining tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli florets in a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and the chicken broth or water to the pan. Cover and let the broccoli steam for 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s tender-crisp.
- Combine and stir-fry: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and broccoli stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles, for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste, especially the sugar and soy sauce for sweetness and saltiness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen broccoli florets can be used if steamed briefly beforehand.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the broccoli and to prevent the chicken from drying out.
