Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Imagine tender, juicy pieces of chicken paired with vibrant green broccoli florets, all coated in a savory, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple home ingredients. A classic combination that balances lean protein with nutritious vegetables, this dish has stood the test of time for good reason. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures while keeping the cooking process straightforward and efficient.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for numerous reasons. The contrast between the tender, succulent chicken and the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli creates a satisfying textural experience in every forkful. The sauce strikes that ideal balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, with a hint of garlic that ties everything together beautifully.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility and efficiency. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are pantry staples, eliminating the need for special shopping trips. Additionally, this dish offers excellent nutritional value – lean protein from the chicken paired with vitamin-rich broccoli makes for a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent while actually being quite healthy.

The clean-up is minimal too, as everything comes together in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this chicken broccoli stir fry delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups (340g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

The chicken should be fresh or properly thawed for the best texture. Fresh broccoli is recommended over frozen for optimal crispness, though frozen will work in a pinch. Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness, while the combination of oyster sauce and honey creates that authentic restaurant-style sauce that makes this chicken and broccoli dish so irresistible.

Pro Tips

Velveting the Chicken: For restaurant-quality tenderness, try velveting your chicken before cooking. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon oil, coat the chicken pieces, and let them marinate for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture during the high-heat cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender chicken in your Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.

Blanching the Broccoli: For perfect broccoli texture, blanch it briefly before adding it to the stir-fry. Submerge the florets in boiling water for just 45-60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This pre-cooking ensures your broccoli will be crisp-tender rather than raw or mushy when the final dish is complete.

Sauce Consistency: The key to a silky, restaurant-style sauce is mixing your cornstarch thoroughly with cold liquid before adding it to the hot pan. Combine cornstarch with chicken broth in a separate bowl until completely dissolved, then add to your stir-fry at the final stage of cooking. Allow the sauce to bubble for 30-60 seconds until it reaches the perfect consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients
Before turning on the heat, have everything ready to go. Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces and broccoli into similar-sized florets. Mix the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch, and chicken broth) in a small bowl, whisking until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Having everything prepped ensures your Chicken and Broccoli Recipe comes together quickly once cooking begins.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked through. The chicken should be just slightly underdone as it will finish cooking later. Transfer to a clean plate.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until they turn bright green and begin to soften but still maintain some crunch. If the pan seems dry, add a splash of water and cover for 1 minute to create some steam.

Step 4: Add Aromatics
Push the broccoli to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma will immediately elevate your Chicken and Broccoli Recipe with that authentic Asian flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Give your sauce mixture another quick whisk (the cornstarch may have settled), then pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating all ingredients evenly. Add red pepper flakes if using.

Step 6: Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Your Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is ready to serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Variations

Spicy Chicken and Broccoli: Transform this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe into a heat-lover’s dream by adding 1-2 tablespoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce mixture. For extra dimension, include thinly sliced fresh chilis when cooking the garlic and ginger. The spicy version pairs particularly well with steamed rice to balance the heat.

Vegetable-Packed Version: Enhance the nutritional profile by incorporating additional vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and water chestnuts make excellent additions. Slice them thinly for quick cooking and add them after the broccoli has cooked for about a minute. This colorful variation not only boosts the vitamin content but also creates a visually stunning dish.

Keto-Friendly Option: Make this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe keto-compatible by replacing the honey with a sugar-free substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce carbs further, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. This adaptation maintains all the flavor while fitting into a low-carb lifestyle.

Storage and Serving

Your Chicken and Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave – this maintains the texture of both the chicken and broccoli while gently warming the sauce without separation.

This dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months. When freezing, slightly undercook the broccoli as it will soften further during reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

For serving, this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with shirataki noodles. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, start with a simple miso soup and serve with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For special occasions, garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and crispy wonton strips for textural contrast.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works but requires different handling. Don’t thaw it first; add the frozen florets directly to the pan and stir-fry until heated through. Expect a slightly softer texture than with fresh broccoli.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and verify your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or use a gluten-free mushroom sauce alternative). All other ingredients in this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prep this meal in advance?
Absolutely! Cut chicken and broccoli up to 24 hours ahead and store separately in the refrigerator. You can also mix the sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) ahead of time. Add cornstarch just before cooking to prevent thickening issues.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional, but chicken thighs offer more flavor and forgiveness if slightly overcooked. Either works perfectly in this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
This recipe is best made quickly in a skillet or wok. Slow cooking would overcook the broccoli and change the sauce consistency. For busy nights, prep ingredients ahead instead.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is comfort food at its finest — wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with savory flavors that make weeknight dinners something to look forward to. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t require sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for yourself, this versatile recipe delivers that restaurant-quality experience with minimal effort and maximum reward. Master this classic, and you’ll always have a reliable, impressive dish in your cooking repertoire that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

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