What is my go-to meal when I need something quick and healthy? What’s so goodBroccoli Chicken Stir-FryWhat do you make when you’re staring at the fridge and wondering what on earth you can make? What are some of the best carb recipes to throw together that won’t take forever but will still satisfy your carb cravings? Is this a lighter, brighter version of beef and broccoli, but with juicy chicken? What’s the crunch of broccoli? Is it faster to order online than takeout? I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.

What is Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry?

Think of it as the ultimate customizable comfort food. Broccoli Chicken Stir-FryIs essentially a quick and easy dish where bite-sized pieces of chicken and broccoli florets are cooked. What are some of the best stir-fried foods? What are you talking about: tender chicken, broccoli, and a sauce that’s savory, slightly crisp-tender. Is this tangy? What are some good ways to serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa? I love to make this recipe because it’s such a great way to get healthy without compromising on quality. What is the best way Is it incredibly versatile to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots or snap peas? Is it healthy to eat peas?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What do I love about this book?Broccoli Chicken Stir-FryHow versatile is a smartphone? If you’re in the mood for something sweet, a touch of honey in your sauce works wonders. What is a pinch of red pepper flakes? What are some of the reasons why I love this dish: it’s a staple in my household.

Flavor Explosion:The combination of savory sauce, tender chicken, and slightly crunchy broccoli is just *chef’s* food. Is this a simple dish?
Seriously Simple: What isWhat is one of those recipes that seems fancy but is actually a breeze to make? What is the best way to prepare a meal in less than 20 minutes? What are the best ways to spend a busy week
Budget-Friendly B Chicken and broccoli are relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy them in bulk. Plus, you probably already have most of the other ingredients (soy sauce, ginger, garlic) in your pantry.
Customizable GoodAs I mentioned before, this is a very important thing.Broccoli Chicken Stir-FryIs incredibly versatile. Can you substitute chicken for shrimp? How do I make a sauce to your liking?

What is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen? You’re just starting out. How do you start Is this a crowd pleaser? If you like my Shrimp Stir-Fry recipe, or my quick and easy Beef and Broccoli, this one will blow your mind.

How do I make Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry?

Quick Overview

Making this Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fryis so easy, it practically cooks itself (okay, maybe not, but almost!). How do you chop chicken and broccoli, whip up a quick sauce, stir-fry everything and serve it up. Hot pan, and then devour it. What is the best way to start the stir-frying process? I always get my rice cooking first, so it’s ready when the stir-fry is done. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broccoli: What is the best recipe

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer using chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil) for stir-frying.
1 teaspoon sesame oil. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. Don’t skip it!

What is Stir-Fry Sauce?

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce. Using low sodium soma sauce prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup). This adds sweetness and helps to balance the savory flavors.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Rice vinegar adds a tangy element to the sauce. Can you substitute apple cider vinegar in a pinch?
How much cornstarch is needed to thicken sauce?
What is the best way to add fresh ginger to stir-fry?
2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and delicious aroma to the dish.
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water). How do you keep sauce from becoming too thick?
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Add this if you like a little heat!

For Serving:

I prefer jasmine rice, but any type of rice or noodles will work.
Sesame seeds (optional). For garnish.
Chopped green onions (optional). For garnish.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. How do I cook a vegetable quickly and evenly? Then, cut the broccoli into florets, making sure they are roughly the same size. I like to soak broccoli in cold water for a few minutes to get rid of any dirt. Before cooking, drain broccoli thoroughly.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside. Ginger, minced garlic, chicken broth (or water), and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch in the sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) and sesame oil over high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and tender. When browned lightly, Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You want the broccoli to be slightly tender but still have a little crunch. If the broccoli starts to burn, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet and cover for a minute or two to steam it.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and broccoli and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the chicken and broccoli.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

This Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions:

Classic Combo: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. You can even use quinoa for a healthier option.
Noodle Time: Toss it with some cooked egg noodles, ramen noodles, or udon noodles for a satisfying noodle bowl.
Veggie Boost: Add a side of steamed edamame or a simple green salad for an extra dose of veggies.
Spring Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls or egg rolls for a fun and flavorful appetizer.

Growing up, my mom always served this with a side of steamed dumplings. It’s a tradition I still follow to this day! It reminds me of home, and it adds a delicious contrast to the stir-fry.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry

Alright, let’s talk about some secrets to making this Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry truly amazing:

Chicken Prep: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This helps ensure even cooking. I also like to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before stir-frying. This helps it to brown better.
Broccoli Bliss: Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it to be crisp-tender, not mushy. Stir-frying it quickly over high heat is the key. If you find that your broccoli is cooking too quickly, you can add a splash of water to the pan and cover it for a minute or two to steam it.
Sauce Secrets: Taste the sauce before you add it to the stir-fry and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. And if you want it more savory, add a splash of soy sauce.
High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before you add the ingredients. This will help to create that delicious stir-fry flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook the chicken and broccoli in batches if necessary.
Ginger and Garlic Freshness: Always use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t compare. I like to grate the ginger using a microplane, which creates a fine paste that infuses the sauce with flavor.

One time, I accidentally added way too much honey to the sauce. It was so sweet that it was almost inedible! I ended up adding a splash of rice vinegar to balance it out. It worked like a charm! So, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! This Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. If reheating in a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist.
Rice Storage: If you served the stir-fry over rice, store the rice separately from the stir-fry to prevent it from becoming soggy.

I usually make a big batch of this on Sunday nights and then eat it for lunch throughout the week. It’s such a convenient and healthy meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Frozen broccoli tends to be a bit softer than fresh broccoli, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just press the tofu to remove any excess water and then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Stir-fry the tofu until it’s lightly browned and crispy before adding the broccoli and sauce.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to this recipe. Just add them to the skillet along with the broccoli and stir-fry until they are crisp-tender.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes, you can use a different type of sweetener in the sauce. Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar would all work well. Just adjust the amount to your liking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this ahead of time. Just cook the chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately and then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Store the cooked chicken and broccoli in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat and then add the sauce. Cook until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, friends! My go-to Broccoli Chicken Stir-Fry recipe. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry or my Spicy Peanut Noodles. And don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear your feedback. Happy cooking!