If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that packs a punch with nutritious goodness, this Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is the absolute answer. It’s a delightful combo of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory, garlicky sauce that comes together in a flash — perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but hassle-free.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Super quick to make: From start to finish, this stir fry can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy days.
Balanced and nutritious: Loaded with lean protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that fuels your body.
Flavor-packed sauce: The combination of garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine creates a sauce so aromatic, it elevates every bite.
Customizable and versatile: Whether you want to switch up the protein or add extra veggies, this recipe is a fantastic base for creativity.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet essential is what makes this Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe shine. Each component plays a key role — from the tender chicken and crunchy broccoli to the flavor-packed stir-fry sauce and just the right amount of cornstarch to give it that perfect glossy finish.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose whichever you prefer; thighs offer more moisture, while breasts are leaner.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for texture and color, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cornstarch: Essential for marinating and thickening the sauce, giving that silky texture.
- Soy sauce (low sodium): Adds that deep umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: The dynamic duo infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and zing.
- Shaoxing wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine that rounds out the sauce; dry sherry or mirin work well in a pinch (adjust sugar if using mirin).
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness as a finishing touch to the sauce.
- Neutral oil (vegetable or avocado): Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without burning.
How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Slicing the chicken thinly against the grain is key to juicy, tender pieces that soak up the marinade. Toss the chicken strips in cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes – this simple step seals in moisture and adds a lovely, velvety texture when stir-fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the dish. Combining minced garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, stock, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and a subtle pinch of white pepper, you’ll heat it gently until the sugar dissolves. This creates a luscious, fragrant base that will coat every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat your wok or heavy skillet over high heat and add oil. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about one minute to develop a nice brown crust. Toss and continue cooking until nearly cooked through, then set aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Add a bit more oil to the pan and toss in your fresh broccoli florets. Stir frequently to get that bright green color and crisp-tender texture, which usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes — the perfect amount of crunch to complement your tender chicken.
Step 5: Combine & Thicken the Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli and pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce. Stir a quick cornstarch slurry into the mix, slowly adding it to the pan while gently tossing. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully, coating everything in that shiny, flavorful glaze.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For that final burst of texture and flavor, sprinkle your stir fry with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions. A light drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil or a few red pepper flakes can add warmth and dimension. Fresh cilantro also works wonders if you want a herbal lift.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that savory sauce. You can also serve it alongside simple fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the stir fry over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or inside lettuce cups for a fresh spin. For a fun family-style dinner, dish it out in a large colorful platter sprinkled with bright red chili slices and fresh herbs to make the table pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you savor your meal, pack any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep in mind the broccoli may soften with time but will still taste delicious and safely edible — perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, though the texture of the broccoli can change upon thawing. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm your stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can, to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli crisp-tender rather than mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and vibrant color, so it’s preferred when possible.
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What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or mirin are good alternatives. Keep in mind mirin is sweeter, so reduce added sugar slightly. Rice wine vinegar can also be used but will slightly alter the flavor profile.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Many brands offer these options, so it’s easy to adapt while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
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What’s the best pan to use for stir-frying?
A wok is ideal for stir-fry because of its shape and heat distribution, but a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works just as well. Avoid nonstick pans as they don’t handle high heat as effectively.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a tasty, wholesome dinner without fuss. It’s comforting, vibrant, and bursting with flavor — the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to meals.
Print
Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender chicken strips and crisp-tender broccoli cooked in a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce. Made with simple ingredients and a homemade sauce, it’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into small pieces (5 to 6 cups)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
Stir Fry Sauce
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger (thumb-size piece)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or substitute dry sherry, mirin, or rice wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon oil. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate if marinating longer.
- Make Stir Fry Sauce: Combine all stir-fry sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir while heating until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 minute until the underside browns. Toss and continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes until chicken is almost cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Add another tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Add broccoli florets and stir frequently until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Return chicken to the pan; toss with broccoli for about 1 minute to combine.
- Add Sauce and Thicken: Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce. Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly add it to the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Storing: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Broccoli may lose crispness but remains safe to eat. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, though broccoli texture will change.
- Shaoxing Wine Substitutes: If unavailable, use dry sherry or mirin (reduce sugar by 1 tablespoon if using mirin). Rice wine vinegar is another option but may require adjusting sugar to balance flavor.
- Gluten-Free Tip: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
- Best Pan: Use a wok or any heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel). Avoid nonstick pans for stir-frying to allow proper browning and heat.
- If sticking occurs, maintain high heat and add more oil to help ingredients move freely.
