Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is an easy, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a delicious homemade garlic sauce. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The sauce combines soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little sesame oil for a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. It coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully, creating a dish that tastes just as satisfying as your favorite takeout.

Serve this easy chicken and broccoli stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete family dinner. With simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Ready in about 30 minutes: A convenient dinner for busy weeknights.
• Simple ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
• Homemade stir-fry sauce: A flavorful combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey.
• One-pan cooking: The chicken and broccoli cook in the same skillet, making cleanup easier.
• Easy to customize: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, or other vegetables.
• Family-friendly: Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Servings: 4 · Prep time: 10 minutes · Cook time: 15–20 minutes · Total time: 30 minutes

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water, as needed
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced, optional, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient and cook quickly. Chicken thighs also work well and offer a slightly richer flavor.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the dish a pleasant crunch. Cut the florets into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Frozen broccoli can also be used after thawing and draining it thoroughly.

Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce gives the sauce a savory flavor without making it overly salty. Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative, checking the label.

Honey: Honey adds a gentle sweetness and balances the savory soy sauce. You can substitute brown sugar if needed.

Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a fragrant flavor that makes the homemade sauce especially delicious.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the sauce, helping it cling to the chicken and broccoli.

Sesame oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma. Add it to the sauce rather than using it as the primary cooking oil.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the chicken and broccoli

Cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. Wash and cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything ready before cooking makes stir-frying easier.

Step 2: Make the stir-fry sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until the cornstarch dissolves. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.

Step 4: Stir-fry the broccoli

Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If the broccoli needs more time, add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Add the garlic and ginger

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 6: Combine everything with the sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Give the prepared sauce another quick stir, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Toss everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over warm steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Cut the chicken evenly: Thin, uniform pieces cook more quickly and evenly.
• Use a hot skillet: A properly heated skillet helps brown the chicken rather than steam it.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small.
• Keep the broccoli slightly crisp: Avoid overcooking it so it retains its texture and bright green color.
• Stir the sauce before adding: Cornstarch settles at the bottom of the bowl, so mix it again before pouring.
• Adjust the consistency: Add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Taste before serving: Add a splash of soy sauce for more savoriness or a little honey for additional sweetness.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Thigh Stir Fry: Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until they reach 165°F.

Spicy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Chicken and Broccoli with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and stir-fry them before cooking the broccoli.

Low-Sugar Version: Replace the honey with a smaller amount of your preferred sugar substitute, adjusting to taste.

Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and verify that the remaining ingredients are gluten-free.

Extra Vegetable Stir Fry: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or zucchini. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time as needed.

What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Steamed White Rice

A simple side that absorbs the flavorful stir-fry sauce.

Brown Rice

A hearty alternative with a slightly nutty flavor.

Lo Mein Noodles

Perfect for turning this dish into a noodle dinner.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

A crunchy side that pairs well with the tender chicken.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze the cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. The broccoli may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until steaming hot. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for chicken and broccoli stir fry?

Yes. Thaw the broccoli first and drain off excess water. Pat it dry before stir-frying to help prevent the dish from becoming watery. Add it toward the end of cooking because frozen broccoli is often partially cooked.

How do I keep chicken tender in stir fry?

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces, use a hot skillet, and avoid overcooking it. Cook in batches if necessary so the chicken browns instead of releasing too much moisture.

Can I make chicken and broccoli stir fry ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the sauce, cut the chicken, and chop the broccoli a day ahead. Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook everything just before serving for the best texture.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce as it simmers. If it’s still too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and gradually add the mixture to the skillet while stirring.

Can I make this recipe without honey?

Yes. You can omit the honey for a less sweet sauce or replace it with a small amount of brown sugar or another sweetener.

Is chicken and broccoli stir fry good for meal prep?

Yes. Divide the cooked stir fry into individual airtight containers with rice or noodles. Refrigerate promptly and reheat thoroughly before eating.

Recipe Card

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

A quick homemade stir fry with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic sauce.

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

20 min

SERVINGS

4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water, as needed
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, optional

Instructions

1. Whisk the soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the remaining oil and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add a little water and cover briefly if needed.
4. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce.
6. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches 165°F.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve warm.

Recipe yield: 4 servings. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the skillet.