The Ultimate Chicken & Broccoli Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Versatile

The Ultimate Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s healthy, flavorful, and quick to prepare, chicken & broccoli stir-fry is a top contender. This recipe brings together tender chicken breast and crisp-tender broccoli in a silky, savory sauce, all in less than 30 minutes from prep to plate. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of how to master this classic dish, tips for customizing it, and answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
• Healthy: Loaded with lean protein and vitamin-rich broccoli.
• Customizable: Swap veggies, change the sauce, or even add noodles or rice.
• Family Friendly: Picky eaters and food enthusiasts both approve!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, chopped garlic, and cornstarch. Whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This mixture will be the savory, slightly sweet sauce that brings all the elements of your stir-fry together.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet (or wok) over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and season with ground black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Steam the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the same hot pan. Pour in the prepared sauce, then cover and let the broccoli steam for about 4-5 minutes, until it is vivid green and just tender. Steaming the broccoli in the sauce helps it soak up the flavors while keeping it crisp-tender.

4. Combine and Toss

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Toss everything to combine, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all the pieces. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly glazed. Off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil for a nutty finish.

5. Serve

Spoon the chicken and broccoli stir-fry over bowls of hot cooked rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and extra flavor, if desired. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Broccoli

• Even Slicing: Slice the chicken and chop the broccoli into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Velvety Chicken: For especially tender chicken, marinate the slices briefly in a mixture of 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of sugar before cooking.
• Use High Heat: Get a nice sear on the chicken and cook the vegetables quickly to preserve their color and crunch.
• Control the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner or thicker sauce, simply adjust the amount of cornstarch used.

Variations & Additions

Chicken & broccoli is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Vegetables: Substitute or supplement the broccoli with bell peppers, snap peas, green beans, carrot slices, onion wedges, or asparagus. Cut all veggies to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Protein Swaps: Try thinly sliced beef, pork, tofu, or shrimp for a new twist.
• Sauce Boosters: Add grated ginger, a splash of rice vinegar, a touch of oyster sauce, or chili flakes for heat and depth.
• Rice Alternatives: Serve over brown rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or toss with cooked noodles for a filling bowl.
• Nut Crunch: Top with roasted cashews or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Highlights

Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on your additions and serving size.

Chicken & Broccoli: Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until fully warmed through.
• Meal Prep: Portion servings with rice in meal-prep containers for a grab-and-go lunch.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though broccoli may lose some texture once thawed.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Lettuce wraps: Spoon the stir-fry into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
• Asian-inspired bowls: Add pickled veggies, sliced cucumbers, or kimchi for an extra tangy crunch.
• Creamy twist: Toss with cooked pasta and a splash of cream for a fun fusion take, inspired by creamy chicken & broccoli bowties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Add it to the pan directly from frozen during the sauce-steaming step. You may need to increase the cook time by 1-2 minutes.

Q: Is chicken thigh better than chicken breast for stir-fries?

A: Both work well! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, while chicken breast keeps it lean and quick-cooking.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?

A: Absolutely! The sauce can be pre-whisked and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Whisk again before adding to the skillet.

Q: My sauce isn’t thickening—what should I do?

A: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and slowly stir into the pan. Simmer for another minute until thickened.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce, and double-check that your chicken broth and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat chicken & broccoli without drying it out?

A: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works for convenience; cover to trap moisture.

Chef’s Shortcut: The Quickest Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Short on time? For a true speed-cook method, use pre-chopped broccoli and thin-sliced chicken. Pre-mix the sauce earlier in the day. Cook the chicken on high heat, set aside, then flash-steam the broccoli in the same pan with the sauce. Add back the chicken, toss for 1-2 minutes, and serve—dinner done in less than 15 minutes!

More Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe Inspirations

• Black Pepper Chicken: Use a peppery soy sauce blend and toss in bell peppers and onions for an extra kick.
• Cashew Chicken: Stir in roasted cashews and steamed water chestnuts for crunch.
• Sesame Chicken & Broccoli: Add a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty finish, and amp up the savory notes with a dash of sesame oil.

Final Thoughts

This chicken & broccoli stir-fry is an endlessly customizable canvas for quick and healthy meals any night of the week. Master the basic recipe, then make it your own with your favorite sauce tweaks, produce, and proteins. Enjoy this simple staple that brings together flavor, nutrition, and speed—no takeout required!

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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