If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and a little fancy, you’ve got to try this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s one of those go-to dishes I turn to when I want something healthy but packed with flavor, and trust me, you’ll love how the tender chicken pairs with crisp-tender broccoli and a sweet-savory sauce. Plus, it’s fast enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for friends or family.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The sauce balances salty soy, sweet brown sugar and honey, and savory garlic, creating a crave-worthy coating.
Perfect Texture: The chicken is golden and slightly crisp on the outside yet juicy inside, while broccoli stays bright and crunchy.
Speedy Prep: This recipe comes together fast, making it ideal for busy nights without sacrificing taste.
Versatility: You can easily swap in other veggies or proteins to suit what’s in your fridge or your mood.

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, healthy chicken broccoli stir fry, quick stir fry recipes, easy Asian chicken dish, flavorful chicken broccoli dinner - The image shows a shiny stainless steel pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The dish has several layers of ingredients: bright green broccoli pieces with a rough texture, soft-looking chunks of light brown chicken, thin yellow bell pepper strips with a smooth surface, and slices of translucent onion. The ingredients are mixed evenly, with a glossy brown sauce coating them, giving a slightly wet and shiny look. The pan is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe plays a key role. From the crisp broccoli to the savory chicken and luscious sauce, these components come together in harmony and the tips below will help you choose the best versions and prep them right.

Peanut Oil: It has a high smoke point perfect for stir-frying, plus a subtle nutty flavor. Can be swapped with vegetable or olive oil if needed.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to slice and quick cooking. Make sure to pat dry for a nice sear rather than steaming.
Salt & White Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the chicken and veggies without overpowering the sauce.
Broccoli Florets: They add vibrant color, crunch, and nutritional goodness. Patting them dry helps prevent sogginess.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and a subtle sharpness that mellows as it cooks.
Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and extra color; I love the contrast it provides.
Cornstarch: Critical for thickening the sauce; mix with cold water to avoid lumps.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce base—use low sodium to control saltiness.
Soy Sauce: Provides umami and salt—opt for reduced sodium if you’re watching salt.
Brown Sugar and Honey: These sweeteners balance the savory elements and create glossy sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic punch that infuses the sauce.
Cooked Rice: Serves as a filling, neutral base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I really love about this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is how flexible it is. I often adjust veggies or seasoning depending on what I have. Feel free to make this your own — there’s room to experiment and still get a dish everyone will love.

Variation: One of my favorite swaps is using ground beef instead of chicken — it changes the texture and flavor in a delightful way.
Veggie Boost: Try adding julienned carrots, water chestnuts, or even kale for extra color and crunch.
Spicy Kick: I sometimes toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce to wake things up.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low sodium soy sauce and broth to keep salt in check without losing depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by combining your cornstarch with cold water in a small container and give it a good shake — this slurry will thicken your sauce later, so having it ready is key. Then mix the rest of your sauce ingredients in a bowl and set them aside. Before you turn on the stove, chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and white pepper. Wash and dry your broccoli florets well — I always pat mine dry with paper towels to keep them crisp during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Perfectly

Heat peanut oil in your skillet over medium-high until it shimmers. Add the chicken, but don’t stir it around just yet — let it get a nice golden sear for about 3 minutes. This step is what gives you that great texture. Then rotate and sear other sides until cooked through, about another 2-3 minutes total. Remove chicken from pan and set it aside. Pro tip: Patting the chicken completely dry beforehand helps you get that sear instead of steaming.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Reduce the heat to medium, add a little more oil if your pan looks dry, then toss in broccoli and sliced onions. Stir for 3 minutes until they start to get tender but remain bright and crisp. Add the sliced bell pepper next and cook 1-2 more minutes. This timing keeps the vegetables vibrant and gives a lovely contrast to the chicken.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with the Sauce

Pour your sauce mixture in and bring to a gentle boil. Let it simmer a bit to marry all the flavors, around 2-3 minutes. Now shake your cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it in—this will thicken the sauce quickly. Keep it bubbling gently until it reaches your desired thickness, then turn the heat down to low.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Finally, stir your chicken back into the pan and let it warm through for a minute or two, fully coating each piece in that luscious sauce. Serve everything steaming hot over your favorite cooked rice—for me, that’s a must! You can find my method for perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice in the notes section of the recipe.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Dry Your Chicken Thoroughly: Wet chicken steams instead of sears; patting dry helps get that golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed, so everything browns instead of steams.
Use Fresh Garlic: Mince garlic just before cooking for the best aroma and flavor punch.
Adjust Sauce Thickness Slowly: Add cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid over-thickening your sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my stir fry with green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Sometimes I sprinkle sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds to add texture and a nutty note. If I want a bit of crunch, I throw on some crispy chow mein noodles or chopped peanuts—they’re small touches that elevate the dish in a big way.

Side Dishes

This dish shines all on its own, but if you want a well-rounded meal, I often pair it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings. For a little extra comfort, some miso soup on the side is always a winner. And of course, that perfectly cooked rice is essential to soak up all the saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I’m hosting, I like to serve this stir fry in a big family-style platter garnished with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a pop of color. Spoon the rice into small bamboo baskets or lettuce cups on the side to mix textures and presentation. It turns a simple meal into a feast that feels intentional and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When packing lunches, I separate the rice and stir fry sauce mixture to keep textures fresh. The chicken and veggies hold up nicely, with the broccoli retaining its color and bite if not overcooked initially.

Freezing

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve flavor and texture before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to keep the chicken juicy and broccoli crisp-tender. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but can make broccoli a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it well and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish soggy. Frozen broccoli works well, especially when fresh isn’t available.
What’s the best way to make the rice for this recipe?

I swear by cooking my rice in a Dutch oven with chicken bouillon added to the water for extra flavor. Bring water and bouillon to a boil, add rice, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, then let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes. This method yields fluffy, flavorful rice that’s perfect for soaking up the stir fry sauce.
Can I substitute a different protein?

Yes! I’ve tried this recipe with ground beef and it’s delicious. You can also use shrimp, tofu, or pork—just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep things tender and juicy.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?

Add the cornstarch slurry slowly and stir constantly as it thickens. Stop adding once you hit your perfect sauce consistency — you want it thick enough to cling nicely but not so thick it becomes gloopy. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of broth or water.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become one of those dishes I make when I want something tasty without fussing too much — it’s quick, versatile, and always hits the spot. The first time I shared this with friends, they were amazed it came together so fast. I hope you find it just as satisfying and easy, and that it becomes your new weeknight favorite too. Give it a go, and enjoy every flavorful bite!