Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Meal

By yummyrecipes

Craving a healthy, delicious dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is your go-to recipe! Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet stir fry sauce, this dish brings the bold flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for busy.weeknights, meal prep, or a family-friendly meal, this stir fry is versatile, customizable, and sure to satisfy. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this stir fry from scratch, including tips, variations, and serving ideas. Get ready to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American-adapted
Keywords: chicken and broccoli stir fry, easy stir fry, healthy dinner, quick weeknight meal, Asian-inspired recipe, gluten-free option, family-friendly, meal prep, high-protein, savory sauce

What Is Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that combines tender slices of chicken breast, vibrant broccoli florets, and a flavorful stir fry sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Cooked quickly at high heat, this stir fry retains the crisp texture of the vegetables and the juiciness of the chicken, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s a staple in Asian-inspired cuisine but has been adapted for American kitchens with accessible ingredients and simple techniques. This recipe is high in protein, low in carbs (especially when served without rice), and can be tailored to dietary needs like gluten-free or low-sodium diets.

This recipe serves 4 people, with a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes. It yields a generous portion, perfect for a family dinner or leftovers. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps!

Ingredients

To make Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most are pantry staples, and the recipe is flexible for substitutions based on availability or dietary preferences.

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for color and flavor)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for umami; skip for vegetarian or use vegan oyster sauce)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
¼ cup (60ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving (Optional):

Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
Noodles (e.g., rice noodles or lo mein)
Chopped cilantro or extra green onions

Equipment:

Large skillet or wok
Cutting board and knife
Small bowl (for sauce)
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or spatula
Colander (if blanching broccoli)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Each step is designed to be straightforward, with tips to ensure a flavorful and well-textured dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Thinly slice the chicken breast into bite-sized strips. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
If using fresh broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. This keeps the broccoli crisp and vibrant. Skip this step if using frozen broccoli.
Slice the red bell pepper (if using) and mince the garlic and ginger.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (if using), honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the stir fry sauce. Set aside.

Tip: Thinly slicing the chicken ensures quick cooking and tender results. Prepping all ingredients before cooking is key for stir fry’s fast pace.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the sliced chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Do not clean the skillet.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the chicken browns rather than steams. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper (if using). Stir fry for 3–4 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green.
If the vegetables start to stick, add 1–2 tbsp water to create steam and prevent burning.

Tip: Keep the vegetables moving in the skillet to ensure even cooking and to retain their crunch.

Step 4: Combine and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Give the stir fry sauce a quick whisk to re-combine the cornstarch, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables.
Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the chicken and broccoli.

Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, cook for an additional minute to reduce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the stir fry to a serving platter or divide among plates.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using) for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve hot over cooked rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option. Add chopped cilantro or extra green onions for a fresh touch.

Tip: For meal prep, let the stir fry cool completely before storing in airtight containers to maintain texture.

Tips for Success

Prep Ahead: Slice the chicken and vegetables in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours to save time.
High Heat is Key: Stir fry at medium-high heat to achieve a quick cook and preserve the texture of the ingredients.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or heat by tweaking the honey or red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce before adding to ensure balance.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations to Try

This stir fry is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Stir Fry: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free or omit them.
Low-Carb Version: Swap rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Spicy Stir Fry: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Veggie-Packed Stir Fry: Include additional vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for more variety.
Teriyaki Twist: Replace the stir fry sauce with a teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger) for a sweeter profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and presentations:

With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
With Noodles: Toss with lo mein, rice noodles, or soba noodles for a noodle bowl.
As a Bowl: Create a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Appetizer Style: Serve small portions in lettuce cups for a light, handheld starter.
Side Dishes: Pair with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad for a full Asian-inspired feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a standout for several reasons:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Balanced: High in protein, low in carbs (when served without rice), and packed with vegetables.
Family-Friendly: The savory-sweet sauce appeals to both kids and adults.
Versatile: Easily adaptable for gluten-free, low-carb, or spicy preferences.
Meal Prep Hero: Stores well and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry by yummyrecipes is a delicious and practical way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors at home. With its tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and irresistible stir fry sauce, it’s a recipe that delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or impressing guests with a quick yet flavorful dish, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Happy cooking!

Recipe Details

Author: yummyrecipes
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American-adapted
Keywords: chicken and broccoli stir fry, easy stir fry, healthy dinner, quick weeknight meal, Asian-inspired recipe, gluten-free option, family-friendly, meal prep, high-protein, savory sauce