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This chicken broccoli recipe offers a healthier twist on your favorite takeout! With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory brown sauce, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and tasty!
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Chicken broccoli stir fry is a staple in my kitchen and a dish my family never tires of. It’s one of my child’s favorite Chinese chicken stir fries—he loves the tender, juicy chicken, and since he’s always been a fan of broccoli, this dish is always a hit at our table. The rich, savory brown sauce ties everything together, making it just as good—if not better—than takeout!
I’ve perfected the technique for making chicken tender, just like in Chinese restaurants. This broccoli chicken recipe employs the same method, yielding perfectly cooked chicken in a dish that’s easy, delicious, and healthier. If you love a good Chinese stir fry, you’ll want to try this one! Check out my tips and tricks below to ensure your chicken and broccoli turns out perfectly every time—just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant!
Why This Recipe Needs To Be In Your Rotation
- Quick and easy. This recipe is ready in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect choice when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- A healthier take on takeout. Skip the greasy takeout and make this healthier homemade version using fresh ingredients and a lighter, flavorful brown sauce that’s just as satisfying.
- Guaranteed to please the whole family. The perfectly cooked tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and savory Chinese brown sauce come together in a flavor-packed bite that’ll have you coming back for more, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – I used chicken breast for this recipe, but you can easily swap it for chicken thighs if you prefer. Want to switch up the protein? Try shrimp or beef!
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Broccoli florets
- Oil – Use vegetable or canola oil.
- Garlic
Chinese Brown Sauce
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce – I recommend using Lee Kum Kee for oyster sauce.
- Sesame oil
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- White pepper
For the full details on each ingredient, be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Chicken Broccoli
First, toss the chicken with the cornstarch and a pinch of salt. If it feels a little dry, just splash in a bit of water to ensure each piece is nicely coated with the cornstarch. This velveting technique will help keep the chicken tender during cooking!
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the broccoli and let it cook for just a minute. Drain and set aside. We want it to stay crisp, not soft and mushy!
Heat your wok or skillet on high and add the oil. Once hot, add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant or lightly browned. Next, add the chicken and give it a quick stir. After that, pour in the sauce and turn the heat down to low to let everything soak in nicely.
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the broccoli and stir to combine. Serve immediately with steamed rice—nothing beats it fresh and hot!
Secrets To The Best Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
- To achieve juicy, tender chicken, coat it with a little cornstarch and salt before cooking. This locks in moisture and keeps the chicken soft. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water to help the cornstarch coat each piece evenly.
- Blanching the broccoli for just a minute in boiling water helps keep it crisp and vibrant. It’ll soak up the sauce without becoming soggy and maintain a satisfying crunch.
- High heat is essential for a great stir fry. It helps sear the chicken and veggies quickly, keeping them juicy and crispy. Don’t hesitate to let your wok or skillet get nice and hot—it makes all the difference.
- If you add too much to the pan at once, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry. When making a larger batch, cook in smaller portions for that perfect sear on everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prep ahead by chopping the veggies, making the sauce, and marinating the chicken with just the cornstarch and salt for up to 30 minutes before cooking. This keeps things simple and quick when you’re ready to stir fry!
Yes. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to cook it a bit longer if you’re making a larger batch. It’s also a good idea to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps keep the texture perfect!
Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great options. Just toss them in after the garlic and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes before adding the chicken.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to keep it nice and juicy.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish. The broccoli tends to get mushy once frozen and reheated, which can affect the texture. For the best results, enjoy it fresh, or store it in the fridge for a few days and reheat as needed.
This recipe is only 227 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Chicken Broccoli
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend pairing this dish with steamed rice or noodles.
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