The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken nestled alongside crisp-tender broccoli florets, all enveloped in a savory, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each bite. The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This beloved stir-fry balances protein-packed chicken with nutritious broccoli for a wholesome dinner that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. You’ll learn how to create the perfect sauce consistency, properly cook your chicken without drying it out, and achieve that ideal broccoli texture that’s tender yet maintains a satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation for so many reasons. First, it delivers that perfect balance of health and indulgence – lean protein from the chicken paired with nutrient-rich broccoli, all wrapped in a flavorful sauce that makes vegetables irresistible even to picky eaters.

The textural contrasts make every bite exciting – juicy, tender chicken pieces against the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli. The sauce offers a beautiful glossy finish that’s savory with just the right hint of sweetness and garlic undertones.

What truly sets this chicken broccoli stir-fry apart is its versatility. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights (ready in under 30 minutes!) yet impressive enough for casual entertaining. The recipe scales easily for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and it reheats beautifully without losing texture or flavor. Plus, it’s a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

For The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 5 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
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
• ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

The chicken breasts should be fresh and trimmed of excess fat for the best texture. For the broccoli, choose heads with tight, dark green florets for maximum nutrition and flavor. The combination of fresh garlic and ginger creates the aromatic base that makes this chicken and broccoli dish truly exceptional.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Velvet Your Chicken
For restaurant-quality tender chicken, use the Chinese technique called “velveting.” Toss your chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon oil before cooking. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This creates a protective coating that seals in moisture during the high-heat cooking process, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken pieces in your chicken and broccoli stir-fry.

Tip 2: Perfect Your Broccoli Texture
The secret to perfectly cooked broccoli is a quick blanching before stir-frying. Boil the broccoli for just 45 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well before adding to your stir-fry. This pre-cooking ensures your broccoli will be bright green, crisp-tender, and will finish cooking perfectly when added to the wok or pan.

Tip 3: Sauce Consistency Matters
Mix your sauce ingredients in a separate bowl before adding to the pan. When adding cornstarch to thicken your sauce, always dissolve it completely in a cold liquid first to prevent clumping. For the perfect glossy sauce in The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, let it bubble for at least 30 seconds after adding to the pan – this activates the cornstarch and creates that beautiful restaurant-style consistency that coats every piece.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Place them in a bowl and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this helps achieve a better sear. For the broccoli, cut into uniform florets so they cook evenly. Mince your garlic, grate your ginger, and mix your sauce ingredients (chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using) in a small bowl until well combined. Having everything prepped and ready makes the actual cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a nice golden crust before stirring. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through but still juicy. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook The Broccoli
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add your broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain their bright green color. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Give your sauce mixture another quick stir (the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Stir continuously as the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and has a glossy appearance. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using.

Step 5: Serve
Transfer your chicken and broccoli stir-fry to a serving platter or individual plates. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is at its perfect consistency and the broccoli maintains its slight crunch. Serve alongside steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a lower-carb option. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will have everyone at the table eager to dig in!

Variations

Spicy Chicken and Broccoli
For heat lovers, transform The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe into a fiery delight by adding 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or sambal oelek to the sauce. Alternatively, slice 2-3 dried red chilies and add them when stir-frying the garlic and ginger. This variation adds a pleasant burn that builds with each bite without overwhelming the dish’s fundamental flavors.

Vegetarian/Vegan Adaptation
Replace chicken with 14 ounces of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or 2 cups of tempeh chunks for a plant-based protein option. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The tofu absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, and when properly prepared (pressed and preferably frozen then thawed for improved texture), it creates a satisfying meat-free chicken broccoli experience.

Cashew Chicken and Broccoli
Add ⅔ cup of unsalted cashews (lightly toasted) to the final dish for an irresistible nutty crunch that complements the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. This variation adds not only textural contrast but also a richness that elevates the entire stir-fry to new heights. The cashews can be toasted separately and added at the end, or briefly fried in the initial oil for maximum flavor infusion.

Storage and Serving

The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated, this dish maintains its quality for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the broccoli texture may soften slightly upon thawing. To reheat, microwave gently with a splash of water to revitalize the sauce, or warm in a skillet over medium heat.

For serving, try these restaurant-worthy presentations:

1. 
   

   Classic Asian-Style: Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice with extra sauce spooned over top, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a pop of color.

   
   
2. 
   

   Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-forward meal that doesn’t sacrifice satisfaction.

   
   
3. 
   

   Family-Style Feast: Present on a large platter surrounded by sides like vegetable spring rolls, steamed dumplings, and a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner experience.

   
   

FAQs

Why is my chicken tough instead of tender?
Overcooked chicken is usually the culprit. For The BEST Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, cook chicken just until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Try the velveting technique mentioned in the pro tips section, which helps seal in moisture. Also, ensure you’re slicing against the grain when cutting chicken breasts.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but the texture will differ slightly. Skip the blanching step and add the frozen broccoli directly to the stir-fry, allowing extra cooking time. Pat it dry first to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free, and your chicken broccoli stir-fry will be safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cut chicken and broccoli up to 24 hours ahead and store separately in the refrigerator. Mix the sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) and refrigerate. Add cornstarch just before cooking to prevent it from breaking down.

Why isn’t my sauce thickening properly?
Make sure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold liquid before adding to the hot pan. Once added, the sauce needs to reach a near-boil to activate the thickening properties. If still too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and gradually add to the simmering sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is comfort food at its finest — healthy, satisfying, and bursting with savory flavors that dance on your palate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing the authentic taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your dining table. Whether you’re cooking for picky family members or trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this perfectly balanced meal delivers both nutrition and crave-worthy flavor in every bite. Master this recipe, and you’ll never need to order takeout again!

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