Zesty Chicken and Broccoli Salad Recipe for Fresh Lunches
Summers call for light, refreshing meals that spark joy at every bite.
This delightful chicken and broccoli salad brings vibrant flavors dancing across your plate.
Crisp vegetables mingle with tender, seasoned chicken in a recipe that promises pure satisfaction.
Fresh ingredients create a nutritious blend that feels both wholesome and delicious.
The salad combines protein-packed chicken with crunchy broccoli florets in a harmonious medley of textures.
A zesty dressing ties everything together, adding brightness to each forkful.
You’ll love how simple yet spectacular this salad can be for lunch or dinner.
Let’s find out this delectable dish and discover a new favorite meal that nourishes body and soul.
Steps to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Salad
Flavor Foundation Whip up a tangy sauce by combining broth, coconut aminos, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small pan. Let the mixture simmer and reduce, creating a rich, concentrated flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Chicken Preparation Season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is ready to soak up maximum deliciousness.
Sizzling Cooking Technique Heat avocado oil in a large pan and cook chicken in quick batches, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden exterior while staying juicy inside.
Veggie Magic Toss broccoli into the pan's remaining juices, letting it become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors left behind by the chicken.
Final Fusion Bring the chicken back to the pan, pour over the reduced sauce, and gently stir until everything is perfectly coated and steaming hot.
Gorgeous Garnish Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top, adding a fresh crunch and visual appeal. Serve alongside your favorite rice for a complete meal that'll transport you straight to flavor paradise.
Tips for Extra Flavor in Chicken Broccoli Salad
Add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for extra tanginess that brightens the entire dish.
Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean beef to create delightful protein variations that keep the meal exciting.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance – use fewer for mild lovers or extra for bold spice enthusiasts.
Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to increase nutritional value and create more colorful plate presentation.
Prepare the sauce and chop ingredients in advance, storing separately in refrigerator. When ready to cook, quickly assemble for a speedy weeknight meal that saves precious time.
Chicken Broccoli Salad Serving Ideas
Zesty Plate Companions: Pair this vibrant chicken and broccoli dish with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, nutrient-packed meal that keeps things light and satisfying.
Asian-Inspired Side Splash: Sprinkle toasted cashews or sliced almonds over the top to add a delightful crunch and bring out the nutty undertones of the sesame oil and coconut aminos.
Green Garden Boost: Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves to introduce a bright, herbal freshness that complements the savory sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Texture Party Topper: Create additional interest by adding crispy fried shallots or a small handful of microgreens, which will provide an extra layer of texture and visual appeal to the final dish.
Proper Storage for Chicken Broccoli Salad
Smarty Batch Prep: Make double the chicken and sauce recipe on meal prep days. Store extra protein and sauce separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners within 3-4 days.
Chill & Reheat Strategy: Cool chicken and broccoli completely before refrigerating. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Warm gently in microwave or skillet for best texture results.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers without green onion garnish. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep sauce, chicken, and broccoli in different containers to maintain crispness. This technique prevents soggy textures and allows flexible meal combinations throughout the week. Seal containers tightly to lock in freshness and prevent flavor mixing.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal
Servings: 5
Chicken and Broccoli Salad Ingredient Breakdown
For Protein and Vegetable Base:
Chicken Breast: Lean protein that creates the hearty foundation of the salad, choose fresh, organic cuts for best flavor and texture.
Broccoli: Crunchy green vegetable packed with nutrients, select bright green florets with tight, firm clusters for maximum freshness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil: Healthy oils that add rich, smooth undertones and help create silky sauce coating.
Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that provide depth and zingy warmth, use fresh roots for most vibrant taste.
Coconut Aminos, Lime Juice: Tangy liquid components bringing balanced sweetness and bright acidity to transform the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element adding gentle heat and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
For Seasoning and Finishing:
Salt, Pepper: Essential core seasonings for developing rich taste layers.
Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds moisture and subtle savory background.
Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Optional crispy, fresh toppings for extra texture and visual appeal.
White Rice, Cauliflower Rice: Serving suggestions providing complementary base for the salad.
Tools for Assembling Chicken Broccoli Salad
Small saucepan: Perfect for simmering and reducing the flavorful sauce.
Large sauté pan: Key for cooking chicken and broccoli with even heat distribution.
Cutting board: Needed for prepping chicken and green onions.
Chef's knife: Essential for slicing ingredients precisely.
Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and oils.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and coating ingredients in the pan.
Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
Scrumptious chicken and broccoli salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your table. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty herbs combine perfectly for a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 heads broccoli florets (7 cups/465 g)
0.5 cup chicken broth
1.5 tbsps avocado oil
0.5 cup coconut aminos
3 tbsps lime juice
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, minced
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds
Green onions
White rice
Cauliflower rice
Instructions
Sauce Preparation: Combine broth, coconut aminos, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring consistently until the sauce reduces to two-thirds its original volume.
Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, cooking chicken in batches for 30-60 seconds per side until evenly cooked and golden.
Broccoli Preparation: Add broccoli florets to the pan’s remaining juices, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until tender, adding a splash of broth if needed for moisture.
Final Combination: Return cooked chicken to the pan, pour the reduced sauce over the ingredients, and gently stir to coat evenly. Heat thoroughly until all components are warmed and well-incorporated.
Serving: Plate the chicken and broccoli mixture, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve alongside rice for a complete, flavorful meal.
Notes
Sauce Reduction Technique: Simmer sauce slowly and consistently to develop deep, rich flavors while concentrating its intensity.
Chicken Cooking Strategy: Cook chicken in separate batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece browns evenly and maintains optimal texture.
Broccoli Moisture Management: Add a splash of broth if broccoli appears dry during sautéing to maintain vegetable’s vibrant color and prevent burning.
Seasoning Enhancement: Use fresh cracked black pepper and kosher salt to elevate the dish’s overall flavor complexity and depth.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.