Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry in 30 Minutes
Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner that pleases the whole family? This Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving something warm, nourishing, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience — all in under 30 minutes!
This easy stir-fry is a favorite in many households because it’s family-friendly, protein-packed, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or noodles. Whether you’re trying to eat more clean, prep meals in advance, or simply whip up something delicious in a flash, this recipe has you covered.
Why You Should Try This Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Ready in 30 minutes or less – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein and fiber – A wholesome balance of lean meat and greens.
- One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables, noodles, or sauces.
- Kid-approved – Mild, savory flavors that appeal to picky eaters.
- Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Their Health Benefits
Here’s a look at the powerhouse ingredients in this recipe and why they’re good for you:
Chicken Breast
Lean and protein-rich, chicken breast is a fantastic source of essential amino acids, perfect for building and maintaining muscle. It’s also low in fat, making it ideal for a clean, wholesome meal.
Broccoli
This green super-veggie is loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Broccoli supports immune function, digestion, and bone health while adding a crunchy texture to your stir-fry.
Garlic
A small but mighty ingredient, garlic offers a bold flavor while providing anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits thanks to compounds like allicin.
Ginger
With its warming, slightly spicy kick, ginger aids digestion and helps fight inflammation. It also adds depth to the stir-fry’s sauce.
Soy Sauce
Low-sodium soy sauce adds umami-rich flavor to your stir-fry while helping to balance sweetness and acidity. It’s a versatile pantry staple for Asian-inspired dishes.
Cornstarch
Used to tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce, cornstarch helps create that silky coating we all love in a classic stir-fry.
Sesame Oil
A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end enhances the aroma and adds a nutty, toasty depth to the dish. A little goes a long way!
Step-by-Step Instructions
🛒 Ingredient List (Serves 4)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
👩🍳 Cooking Steps
- Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated. This step helps create a silky texture when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Broccoli
- In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed.
- Add broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, then pour in ¼ cup water and cover with a lid.
- Let it steam for 2 more minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and a splash of water or broth.
- Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Pour the sauce over and stir well to coat. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish & Serve
- Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Slice chicken thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli — keep it crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Pre-mix the sauce before adding it to the pan for even flavor distribution.
- Want extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients and add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker coating.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. If doubling the recipe, cook in batches.
Variations & Customizations
Make this dish your own with these easy adjustments:
✅ Gluten-Free
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Ensure oyster sauce and cornstarch are labeled gluten-free.
🌱 Vegan Version
- Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or soy curls.
- Swap oyster sauce with a vegan stir-fry sauce or extra tamari.
🌶 Spicy Kick
- Add a dash of chili flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce.
💪 Protein-Packed
- Add cashews, edamame, or even a second protein like shrimp or eggs.
👶 Kid-Friendly
- Skip the ginger if your child prefers milder flavors and serve with plain rice.
You’ll Also Love:
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Make-ahead tip: Slice the chicken and prep the sauce a day in advance to speed up cooking.
- Freeze the stir-fry (without rice) in meal prep containers for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry to avoid extra water in the stir-fry.
2. What’s the best way to get tender chicken?
Coating with cornstarch and quick stir-frying at high heat help keep chicken tender and juicy.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s a great meal prep recipe. Cook and store it in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
4. Is oyster sauce necessary?
It adds depth, but the stir-fry is still delicious without it. Substitute with more soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for variety.
Final Thought
This Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is more than just a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner — it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With its simple ingredients, customizable nature, and rich, savory flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes healthy eating easy and enjoyable.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something cozy and clean, this stir-fry delivers in every way.
