Savory Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Zesty Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe: Dinner in a Flash

Sizzling aromas waft through the kitchen as this chicken & broccoli stir-fry recipe dances with vibrant flavors and textures.

Tender chicken pieces mingle perfectly with crisp broccoli florets, creating a delightful harmony on your plate.

The combination of savory sauce and fresh ingredients promises a meal that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Each bite brings a burst of umami and freshness that makes this dish stand out from ordinary meals.

Lean protein and green vegetables come together in a spectacular culinary performance that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This stir-fry is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Ingredient Guide

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean meat that provides a tender, juicy base for the stir-fry, best when cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal as a final garnish, toasted seeds enhance the flavor profile.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Soy Sauce, Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base that infuses the dish with umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Honey: Balances the salty soy sauce with a subtle sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that bring vibrant, zesty undertones and traditional Asian-inspired flavor complexity.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty essence that elevates the overall taste with its distinctive warmth.
  • Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that transforms the liquid into a silky, clingy sauce that beautifully coats every ingredient.
For Cooking and Preparation:
  • Broccoli Florets: Crisp green vegetable that adds nutritional value, texture, and bright color to the stir-fry.
  • Neutral Oil: Enables high-heat cooking method, preventing ingredients from sticking and facilitating quick, even browning.
  • Cooked Rice: Perfect accompaniment that absorbs the flavorful sauce and completes the meal.

Tools That Make Stir-Frying Fast and Clean

  • Small bowl: Perfect for whisking sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending sauce components without lumps.
  • Skillet or wok: Large cooking surface for high-heat stir-frying.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise measurements for sauces and seasonings.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps stir and move ingredients around pan.
  • Cutting board: For preparing chicken and broccoli before cooking.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Instructions for Balanced Stir-Fry Flavor

  • Kitchen Prep

Gather all your cooking tools and ingredients. Clear your workspace and make sure you have a sharp knife, cutting board, and large skillet ready to go.

  • Chicken Magic

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Get your skillet super hot with a splash of oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and deliciously crispy around the edges.

  • Broccoli Boost

Toss fresh broccoli into the same pan. Whip up a quick sauce using soy sauce, honey, and a touch of ginger to create a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

  • Sauce Symphony

Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Watch as everything gets coated in a glossy, rich glaze that brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

  • Tasty Finish

Serve your stir-fry over fluffy rice. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and extra visual appeal. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Add-On Veggies, Sauces, or Noodles to Switch it Up

  • Try using tofu, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken for a delightful twist on this classic stir-fry.
  • Add colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to boost nutrition and create a more vibrant dish that packs extra crunch and flavor.
  • Drizzle sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that transforms the meal from mild to wild in seconds.
  • This recipe stores beautifully in sealed containers for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners – just reheat and enjoy!

Serve Stir-Fry in Bowls, Wraps, or Meal Trays

  • Flavor Fusion Companion: Pair this zesty stir-fry with jasmine rice for a fragrant base that soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
  • Quick Protein Boost: Sprinkle chopped roasted cashews or almonds on top for an extra crunch and added protein that complements the chicken and broccoli.
  • Fresh Finish Flourish: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a small drizzle of sriracha sauce to add a bright, spicy kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
  • Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra portions and store in airtight containers for easy lunch options during the week, ensuring a delicious and healthy meal is always ready to go.

Keep Stir-Fry Packed and Ready for Lunches

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of this stir-fry and divide into portion-sized containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Refrigerated meals stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the chicken and broccoli mixture completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Sealed meals maintain excellent quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to retain texture.
  • Rice Pairing Tips: Cook extra rice when preparing this recipe. Separate into individual portions and refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for future meals. Quickly reheat rice with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Sauce Separation Solution: Store sauce ingredients separately from chicken and broccoli to maintain maximum crispness. Keep sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to enjoy, quickly reheat and combine ingredients for a fresh-tasting meal.
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Savory Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Savory Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Classic chicken & broccoli stir-fry delights with bold Asian-inspired flavors and quick preparation. Home cooks can savor this protein-packed meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste in mere minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsps neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Cooked rice
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and sesame oil into a smooth, glossy emulsion that will serve as the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
  2. Protein Searing: Heat neutral oil in a large wok or skillet until surface ripples with intense heat, strategically adding chicken pieces to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior through precise searing techniques.
  3. Vegetable Integration: After removing perfectly caramelized chicken, introduce broccoli florets into the same sizzling pan, immediately cascading the prepared sauce to enhance vegetable flavor profile and create a vibrant, glossy coating.
  4. Harmonizing Elements: Reunite chicken with steamed broccoli, gently folding the ingredients together to ensure comprehensive sauce distribution and optimal temperature equilibrium.
  5. Presentation: Transfer the aromatic stir-fry onto a bed of steamed rice, artfully garnishing with toasted sesame seeds to provide textural contrast and visual intrigue, completing this dynamic culinary composition.

Notes

  • Sear for Flavor: Resist stirring chicken immediately to develop a golden-brown caramelized crust that enhances taste and texture.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats ingredients.
  • Preserve Broccoli Brightness: Steam broccoli quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding overcooking.
  • Temperature Control: Use high heat for quick cooking and maximum flavor retention, keeping ingredients tender and sauce perfectly thickened.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 284
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

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.

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