If you’re craving a dish that brings together vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a satisfying crunch, the Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is your go-to solution for dinner bliss. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp-tender broccoli all enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re a busy weekday warrior or a cooking enthusiast, this stir-fry is as simple to make as it is irresistible to eat, guaranteeing a crowd-pleasing meal every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and success of this recipe. Each component plays a special role in building those delicious layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this stir-fry truly ultimate.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Tender chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness and a satisfying crunch with vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Essential for high-heat cooking and prevents sticking without overpowering.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses fragrant aromatics that awaken your taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a zesty kick that’s key in stir-fry dishes.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Helps steam the broccoli to perfect tenderness.
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami depth without being too salty.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides brightness and a gentle tang to lift the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma for that authentic stir-fry flair.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil—in a small bowl until completely smooth. This mixture will provide the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors to coat your chicken and broccoli later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. This step ensures your chicken remains juicy and not overcrowded.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and quickly sauté the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger for about 30 seconds. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible—it’s the soul of the stir-fry beginning to build.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets along with the chicken broth or water to the pan. Cover and let it steam for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the broccoli turns a bright green and reaches that wonderful tender-crisp texture. This quick steaming locks in nutrients and texture without turning the broccoli soggy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Stir-Frying
Return the cooked chicken back into the pan and pour the reserved sauce over everything. Stir-fry all together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely and coats every piece of chicken and broccoli with a shiny glaze. This final step melds all those vibrant flavors into one cohesive and mouthwatering dish.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Serve the Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe hot, ideally over steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s a meal that’s guaranteed to please and satisfy whatever hunger you bring to the table.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions on top just before serving. These simple garnishes bring visual appeal and a subtle crunch that elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with classic steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal. For a lighter option, serving over cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad makes for a refreshing contrast with the warm, savory chicken and broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stir-fry in lettuce cups for a handheld delight or dish it over warm egg noodles tossed with a little sesame oil. You can even plate it atop a bed of crunchy chow mein noodles for unexpected texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this stir-fry freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the broccoli might soften slightly upon thawing, so it’s best for eating within a timely manner.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and avoid drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Microwaving covered works too for convenience, but stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, though they may require a couple more minutes to cook through compared to breasts. Just slice them thinly as the recipe suggests for even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, then follow the same steps, adjusting cooking times as needed to get a golden sear.
What is the best oil to use for stir-frying?
Vegetable oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the aromatics and sauce to shine. You can also use canola or peanut oil if preferred. Avoid extra virgin olive oil as it doesn’t handle high heat as well.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The sauce mixes together quickly and keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Having it ready makes cooking this stir-fry even faster and more convenient.
How do I get the broccoli perfectly tender but still crisp?
Steaming the broccoli briefly with a bit of chicken broth or water and covering the pan traps steam and cooks it gently. Keep an eye on the timing to avoid overcooking; 2 to 3 minutes usually hits that ideal tender-crisp mark every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about the Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It combines wholesome ingredients with incredible flavors in a way that feels both fresh and satisfying. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen, turning everyday dinners into something a little more special with every bite.
Print
Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful chicken and broccoli stir-fry that combines tender chicken slices with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatics. This easy skillet meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and the chicken broth or water to the skillet. Cover the pan and steam the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir-fry everything together for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and broccoli hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
Notes
- Adjust the brown sugar in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili sauce when cooking the garlic and ginger.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain crisp to preserve its nutrients and texture.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
