Sizzling Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Speedy Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen when you craft this delectable chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor.

Tender chicken pieces dance with vibrant green broccoli florets in a quick, mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, seasoned with a savory sauce that tingles your taste buds.

The magic happens in mere minutes, making this dish a weeknight wonder for busy home cooks.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a meal that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

Crisp broccoli and juicy chicken come together in a harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to master a stir fry that beats takeout in taste and nutrition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 60-70 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Done Right

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Select lean, fresh cuts for tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Vibrant garnishes that add crunch and fresh visual appeal to the dish.
For Flavor Builders:
  • Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil with smooth, subtle nutty undertones perfect for stir-frying.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic powerhouses that create a robust, zesty flavor foundation.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warm, spicy kick that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
For Sauce and Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates silky, rich base that helps blend and distribute seasonings.
  • Coconut Aminos: Provides gentle sweetness and umami depth with soy-free alternative.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness and adds refreshing note.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces distinctive nutty essence that's quintessential in Asian-inspired cooking.
  • Broccoli: Crisp, nutritious vegetable that offers vibrant color and satisfying texture.

Tools to Stir Fry Chicken and Veggies Efficiently

  • Large Sauté Pan: Your main workhorse for cooking chicken and broccoli with even heat distribution.
  • Small Saucepan: Perfect for simmering and reducing the flavorful sauce.
  • Cutting Board: Essential for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for thinly slicing chicken breast and chopping green onions.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and sauce ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cup: Useful for precise liquid measurements in the sauce.

How to Cook Stir Fry with Tender Results

  • Flavor Fusion

Create a zesty sauce by blending chicken broth, coconut aminos, lime juice, and aromatic spices in a small pan. Let it simmer and reduce, concentrating the delicious flavors.

  • Chicken Prep

Season chicken slices with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sizzle them quickly in a hot pan, ensuring they remain juicy and golden.

  • Broccoli Burst

Toss vibrant broccoli florets into the same pan, allowing them to absorb the chicken’s delicious remnants. Cook until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.

  • Culinary Harmony

Reunite the chicken and broccoli, drizzling the concentrated sauce over everything. Gently mix to ensure each morsel is beautifully coated and piping hot.

  • Final Touch

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra crunch. Serve alongside fluffy rice for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Flavor Twists for Your Stir Fry Combo

  • Flavor Boosting Tricks: Marinate chicken in a blend of coconut aminos and lime juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and depth of flavor.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a quick protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
  • Veggie Volume: Expand the vegetable mix by adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful stir fry experience.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance – use fewer flakes for mild flavor or add extra for a fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Double the sauce recipe and store extra in an airtight container for up to a week, making future stir fry meals faster and more convenient.

Serve Chicken and Broccoli Over Rice or Noodles

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Arrange the stir fry in a large, beautiful serving bowl with a sprinkle of vibrant green onions on top, creating an inviting family-style presentation that encourages sharing and warmth.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in glass containers with separate compartments for rice and stir fry, perfect for easy grab-and-go lunches that stay fresh and delicious throughout the week.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Base Delight: Replace traditional rice with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, nutrient-dense alternative that keeps the meal both tasty and health-conscious.
  • Protein Power Bowl Transformation: Layer the chicken and broccoli stir fry over a bed of mixed greens, adding sliced almonds and a drizzle of extra sauce to create a protein-packed salad that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.

Store Stir Fry So It Stays Tasty and Juicy

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Multiply the recipe ingredients to create multiple meals in one cooking session. Portion out servings into airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep during busy work weeks.
  • Refrigerator Freshness Strategy: Store leftover stir fry in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and broccoli separate from rice to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate sauce, chicken, and broccoli before freezing to prevent moisture buildup. Freeze individual components in flat, labeled freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a skillet.
  • Reheating Success Technique: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of chicken broth. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out, ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful.
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Sizzling Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers quick Asian-inspired comfort on dinner plates. Crisp vegetables, tender meat, and silky sauce combine for a satisfying meal you can enjoy in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (pound) chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 heads broccoli, florets removed (7 cups/465 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
  • 1.5 tbsps avocado oil
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup coconut aminos
  • 3 tbsps lime juice
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Green onions (optional)
  • White rice (optional)
  • Cauliflower rice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk chicken broth, coconut aminos, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper in a saucepan, then simmer over medium-low heat until reduced to one-third volume, creating a rich, concentrated liquid.
  2. Chicken Searing: Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, then heat avocado oil in a spacious sauté pan, searing chicken in controlled batches until golden and slightly crisp, approximately 30-60 seconds per side.
  3. Vegetable Integration: Utilize remaining chicken essence to introduce broccoli florets, cooking until tender and slightly crisp, potentially adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Reunite chicken and broccoli in the pan, cascading the concentrated sauce over the ingredients to coat thoroughly, reheating briefly to meld flavors intensely.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Elevate the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions, then present alongside white rice or cauliflower rice.

Notes

  • Sauce Strategy: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and create a uniform, aromatic base that will intensify during reduction.
  • Heat Control: Maintain medium-low temperature while simmering sauce to prevent burning and ensure smooth, concentrated liquid development.
  • Chicken Cooking Technique: Slice chicken thinly and evenly for consistent cooking, allowing each piece to develop a golden, crispy exterior without overcrowding the pan.
  • Flavor Layering: Add sesame seeds and green onions just before serving to preserve their fresh texture and provide a vibrant, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and broccoli.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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