There’s something deeply satisfying about a stir fry that’s both flavorful and quick to whip up. This Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe hits all the right notes—delicious, fresh, and perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal. You’ll love how the tender chicken pairs beautifully with crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that comes together fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick to Make: The whole stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Balanced Flavors: The savory sauce with just the right amount of sweetness and heat keeps every bite interesting.
- Juicy Chicken Every Time: The velveting marinade is a game changer, locking in moisture and tenderness.
- Easy to Customize: Swap or add veggies and adjust spice levels to suit your family’s preferences without losing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together seamlessly to build layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend using quality oyster sauce and low sodium soy sauce—trust me, it makes a significant difference. Prep everything before cooking to keep things smooth.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into chunky pieces to keep them juicy and prevent drying out.
- Soy sauce (reduced sodium): Keeps saltiness in check so the other flavors shine.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds that nutty, warm aroma that’s so inviting in Asian dishes.
- Cornstarch: The secret weapon to tender chicken and a glossy sauce.
- Japanese rice wine (mirin): Not vinegar—this adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Asian chili sauce or Sriracha: Adjust heat level here to your liking.
- Baking soda: Helps tenderize the chicken in the velveting process.
- Low sodium chicken broth: For a savory base without overpowering salt.
- Oyster sauce: Use a quality brand for the best umami flavor.
- Brown sugar: Balances salty and spicy with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh is best, but powders can work in a pinch.
- Broccoli florets: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and vibrant texture.
- Vegetable or peanut oil: Neutral oils that can handle the high heat of stir frying.
- Water: Helps steam the broccoli slightly for perfect tenderness.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs—plus, my family always loves when I sneak in extra veggies.
- Swap the Veggies: I often swap half the broccoli for bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms—each brings a unique crunch and flavor.
- Spice it Up: When I want more heat, I add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes right in with the sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free; the flavor is just as fantastic!
- Protein Variations: Tried it with sliced beef and tofu, both turn out delicious with just slight tweaks in cooking time.
How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Velvet the Chicken
Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice wine, chili sauce, and a pinch of baking soda—in a large bowl or freezer bag. Toss your chicken pieces in and make sure they’re fully coated. I like to let mine rest for about 15 to 30 minutes at room temp while prepping the rest. This velveting step seals in moisture, so your chicken stays incredibly tender even after stir frying.
Step 2: Prep Your Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, whisk together your sauce ingredients: chicken broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, chili sauce (adjust heat here), sesame oil, cornstarch, and pepper. This sauce will thicken quickly in the pan, so keep it close once you start cooking.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of your neutral oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken in batches if necessary, stirring frequently, and cook until golden on the outside—about 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet; it will finish in the sauce later. Remove the chicken to a plate to rest.
Step 4: Stir Fry Broccoli and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and heat until sizzling. Toss in your broccoli florets and stir fry for about 30 seconds to start softening. Add water, minced garlic, and ginger, then stir fry for another minute. The water helps steam the broccoli just enough without overcooking it.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Give the sauce a quick whisk to recombine and pour it over the chicken and veggies. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and everything is cooked through. The aroma at this stage is just incredible—you’ll notice the sauce coating every bite perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Velveting Is Key: Don’t skip the baking soda and cornstarch marinade—it’s what keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Prep Before You Cook: Have all your ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before heating the pan to avoid surprises.
- Watch Your Heat: The pan should be hot but not smoking; too hot and you risk burning the sauce and chicken.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: It should still have a little crunch after cooking since it keeps softening in the sauce—trust me, it’s better than mushy broccoli!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top—they add freshness and a lovely crunch that really elevates the dish. A little drizzle of extra sesame oil right before serving gives it that irresistible aroma.
Side Dishes
White or brown jasmine rice is my go-to because it soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even some simple steamed noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I sometimes serve this stir fry in individual mini cast iron skillets or over a bed of vibrant fried rice. It looks impressive but is super easy to do. Garnish with a wedge of lime or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I like to let the stir fry cool down first, then pop it into my meal prep containers—it’s perfect for quick lunches later in the week.
Freezing
I discovered that this stir fry freezes surprisingly well—broccoli usually doesn’t freeze cleanly in stir fries, but this sauce helps protect it. Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and label it. It keeps well up to 3 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if things seem dry. I avoid microwaving to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli from getting rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if you’re in a pinch, but I recommend thawing and draining it well beforehand to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy. Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor.
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What is velveting and why is it necessary?
Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique that involves marinating meat with cornstarch and baking soda to make it tender and juicy. It’s essential here because it prevents the chicken from drying out during the quick stir fry.
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Can I make this stir fry spicier?
Absolutely! The recipe includes chili sauce or Sriracha that you can adjust based on your heat tolerance. For more kick, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when stirring the sauce.
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Is oyster sauce gluten-free?
Most traditional oyster sauces contain wheat, so if you need gluten-free, look for specifically labeled brands or opt for alternatives like mushroom stir fry sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe comes together so quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a recipe I keep returning to when I want a comforting homemade meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little kitchen victory every time you make it.
Print
Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Stir Fry Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated with savory sauces, stir-fried with fresh broccoli and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it delivers a balanced combination of protein and vegetables with a deliciously thickened sauce.
Ingredients
Marinade/Velveting
- 1 pound chicken breasts chopped into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Japanese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce or Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Japanese rice wine or dry sherry
- 3 teaspoons Asian chili sauce or Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Stir Fry
- 4–6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 4–5 cups broccoli florets, cut into bit size pieces
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil (divided)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Add all the marinade/velveting ingredients into a large freezer bag or bowl and whisk to combine. Add the chicken pieces and turn until evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes while preparing the broccoli and aromatics.
- Prepare sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the marinated chicken and stir fry until golden but not cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Stir fry broccoli and aromatics: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat until hot and sizzling. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add 2 tablespoons water, minced garlic, and minced ginger and stir fry for 1 minute.
- Finish cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet. Whisk the sauce again to recombine and pour it into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, the chicken is cooked through, and the broccoli is tender but crisp, about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice. Optionally garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control saltiness in the dish.
- Choose high-quality oyster sauce like Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman for the best flavor.
- Do not substitute rice wine with rice vinegar; they have different flavor profiles.
- If fresh garlic and ginger are unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder and ginger powder added to the sauce.
- Do not cut chicken pieces smaller than 1 inch to prevent drying out during cooking.
- You can swap broccoli with other vegetables or combine with favorites like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Maintain a hot but not smoking skillet to achieve perfect stir fry without burning.
- Use neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil rather than olive oil for proper high-heat cooking.
- Avoid overcooking chicken by finishing it in the sauce after browning.
- Undercook broccoli slightly during stir frying as it continues cooking in the sauce.
- Adjust heat levels by adding more chili sauce or Sriracha according to your preference.
- This stir fry freezes well when cooled completely and stored in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- All ingredients can be prepped ahead to make cooking faster on the day of serving.
