Name: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe – Quick 20-Minute
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons canola oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into ¾-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided; ¾ cup thinly sliced onion; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 5 cups broccoli florets; ¾ cup water; ¼ cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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What if one simple dish could deliver restaurant-quality flavor, complete nutrition, and be ready in under 20 minutes? According to culinary research, stir-frying retains up to 85% more nutrients compared to boiling, making it one of the healthiest cooking methods available. This chicken and broccoli stir fry combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant broccoli florets in a savory sauce that brings together the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and subtle heat. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking a nutritious weeknight dinner or a home cook wanting to master the art of stir-frying, this recipe delivers exceptional results every single time. You’ll discover professional techniques for achieving that coveted “wok hei” flavor, learn ingredient substitutions that work perfectly, and master the timing that separates good stir-fry from absolutely incredible chicken and broccoli stir fry.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Matters

Stir-frying represents one of the most efficient cooking methods, combining high heat with quick cooking times to preserve both flavor and nutritional value. This chicken and broccoli stir fry technique originated in ancient China and has become a cornerstone of healthy home cooking worldwide. The method locks in vitamins while creating complex flavors through the Maillard reaction, delivering a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing in minimal time.

External Resources

Before diving into this recipe, you might enjoy exploring our creamy garlic chicken alfredo with broccoli fettuccine for another delicious chicken and broccoli combination, or try our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta for a comforting twist. For additional healthy chicken inspiration, check out these 50 Healthy Chicken Recipes, and master the fundamentals with this comprehensive How to Stir Fry ANYTHING – A Master Class video tutorial that covers essential techniques.

Ingredients

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI STIR FRY ingredients

These carefully selected ingredients create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make this chicken and broccoli stir fry absolutely irresistible.

Complete Ingredient List
2 teaspoons canola oil (substitute: vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil) 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into ¾-inch pieces (substitute: chicken breast, turkey thighs, or firm tofu) 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided (substitute: potato starch or arrowroot powder) ¾ cup thinly sliced onion (substitute: shallots or green onions) 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (substitute: 1 teaspoon ground ginger or ginger paste) 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (substitute: 2 teaspoons garlic powder or granulated garlic) 5 cups broccoli florets (substitute: cauliflower, snap peas, or bell peppers) ¾ cup water (substitute: chicken broth or vegetable broth) ¼ cup soy sauce (substitute: tamari, coconut aminos, or low-sodium soy sauce) 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (substitute: mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce) 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (substitute: honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar) ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken thighs provide superior flavor and remain tender even with high-heat cooking, while cornstarch creates a protective coating that keeps the meat juicy and helps thicken the sauce. Fresh ginger adds aromatic warmth and balances the savory elements, while oyster sauce contributes deep umami complexity that elevates this simple stir fry into restaurant-quality territory. The broccoli florets maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch, providing essential nutrients and textural contrast.

Timing

Recipe Timing Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Active Cooking: 12 minutes Servings: 4 generous portions Efficiency Note: 25% faster than traditional braising methods

Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Gather and organize all ingredients. This mise en place approach ensures smooth cooking since stir-frying happens quickly. Heat canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmery. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Meanwhile, coat chicken pieces evenly with 1 tablespoon cornstarch for the perfect crispy exterior. Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes total. Add sliced onions, minced ginger, and garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer entire mixture to a clean plate. Add broccoli florets to the empty skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Don’t overcook – the broccoli should retain its vibrant color and slight crunch. Create the sauce by whisking together water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth. Ensure no lumps remain. Return chicken mixture to the skillet with broccoli, then pour the sauce over everything. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Professional Cooking Secrets
Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking – ¾-inch pieces cook perfectly in the specified time without drying out. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken; work in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve proper browning. Keep broccoli florets similar in size for consistent cooking, and add them stems-first since they take slightly longer to cook. Whisk the sauce thoroughly before adding to prevent cornstarch clumps, and add it while the pan is hot for immediate thickening. Taste and adjust seasonings at the end – add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cutting into similar-sized cubes and following the same coating and cooking method. Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Spicy Szechuan Style: Add 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns and double the red pepper flakes for authentic heat. Protein Boost: Include ½ cup cashews or peanuts in the final minute of cooking for extra protein and satisfying crunch.

Behind the Recipe

This chicken and broccoli stir fry draws inspiration from classic Cantonese cooking techniques, where the principle of “qi” or life energy emphasizes cooking ingredients quickly to preserve their natural essence. The combination became popular in American Chinese restaurants during the 1960s, adapting traditional methods to local tastes. Our version honors the original technique while incorporating modern nutritional understanding, using chicken thighs for superior flavor and carefully balancing the sauce components for maximum taste impact.

Pairing Ideas

Serve this flavorful stir fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. Cauliflower rice works beautifully for a lower-carb option. Consider pairing with cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to cut through the rich flavors, or simple steamed dumplings as an appetizer. For beverages, try jasmine tea, sparkling water with lime, or fresh ginger tea that complements the dish’s aromatic profile perfectly.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Transform leftover chicken and broccoli stir fry into fried rice by adding day-old cooked rice and scrambled eggs. Create delicious wraps using flour tortillas, adding fresh lettuce and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. The leftovers also make an excellent topping for baked sweet potatoes or can be incorporated into a hearty soup by adding chicken broth and noodles. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 285 calories, 28 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. This dish provides significant amounts of vitamin C from broccoli, B-vitamins from chicken, and contains all essential amino acids. The cooking method preserves most water-soluble vitamins while the moderate sodium content comes primarily from the soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Present this chicken and broccoli stir fry family-style in a large serving bowl, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Individual portions can be plated over rice with the stir fry arranged attractively on top. For entertaining, serve in warmed bowls with chopsticks alongside, and consider offering chili garlic sauce or additional soy sauce on the side for customization. The vibrant green broccoli and golden chicken create an appealing visual presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the broccoli turns it mushy and dull – it should remain bright green and slightly crisp. Using chicken breast without adjusting cooking time often results in dry meat since breast meat cooks faster than thighs. Adding sauce to a cold pan prevents proper thickening and can create a watery result. Skipping the cornstarch coating on chicken reduces flavor development and sauce adherence. Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of proper stir-frying, eliminating the characteristic “wok hei” flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store cooled stir fry in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Microwave reheating works but may soften the broccoli further. Avoid freezing as the broccoli texture deteriorates significantly. For meal prep, store components separately and combine when reheating for optimal texture retention.

Is chicken and broccoli stir fry suitable for meal prep?: Yes, this chicken and broccoli stir fry works excellently for meal prep when stored properly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the broccoli may soften slightly upon reheating.
Can I make chicken and broccoli stir fry gluten-free?: Absolutely! Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce and use gluten-free oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to make this chicken and broccoli stir fry completely gluten-free.
What’s the best way to cut chicken for stir fry?: Cut chicken thighs against the grain into uniform ¾-inch pieces for optimal tenderness and even cooking in your chicken and broccoli stir fry.
How do I prevent my chicken and broccoli stir fry from being watery?: Ensure your pan is properly heated, don’t overcrowd ingredients, and whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the sauce before adding to prevent watery chicken and broccoli stir fry.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this stir fry recipe?: Fresh broccoli works best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat completely dry first, then reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking in your chicken and broccoli stir fry.

Conclusion

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI STIR FRY

This chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and proven techniques. The combination of tender, crispy chicken thighs, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly balanced sauce creates a meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and nutritional needs. With its quick cooking time and versatile nature, this recipe easily adapts to different dietary preferences while maintaining its delicious core flavors. The professional tips and troubleshooting guide ensure success every time you make this family-friendly favorite.

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Author: Erin Recipes