Name: Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons peanut oil; 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt to taste; White pepper to taste; 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 44 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor and a good hit of greens, this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I’ve made this a million times when I needed something satisfying but fast, and every single time it delivers that perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that’ll make you want seconds. Trust me, stick with me through this recipe, and I’ll share all the tips to help you nail it — even if stir-frying is new to you.

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Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy: You can have a wholesome meal on the table in just about 30 minutes — perfect after a busy day.
Balanced Flavors: The sauce blends tangy, sweet, and savory notes that complement the mild chicken and earthy broccoli.
Flexibility: You can easily customize veggies or protein to fit what’s in your fridge or your taste buds’ mood.
Nutrient Packed: Loaded with lean protein and fiber-rich broccoli, it’s both comforting and nourishing.

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, quick stir fry recipes, healthy chicken dinners, easy Asian stir fry, flavorful vegetable chicken dish - The image shows a shiny stainless steel pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The dish has several layers of ingredients: bright green broccoli pieces with a rough texture, soft-looking chunks of light brown chicken, thin yellow bell pepper strips with a smooth surface, and slices of translucent onion. The ingredients are mixed evenly, with a glossy brown sauce coating them, giving a slightly wet and shiny look. The pan is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is really in its simplicity and the fresh harmony between ingredients. Each one plays a role—whether it’s texture, flavor, or that glossy sauce. When shopping, look for fresh, vibrant broccoli and skinless chicken breasts that are plump and firm for best results.

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, quick stir fry recipes, healthy chicken dinners, easy Asian stir fry, flavorful vegetable chicken dish - Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, bright green broccoli florets, a sliced yellow onion, a sliced red bell pepper, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden peanut oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of packed brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of pale cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of cold water, and a small white ceramic bowl of amber chicken broth, three cups of fluffy cooked white long grain rice arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Peanut oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying because it doesn’t burn easily and adds a subtle, nutty undertone.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless works best here for quick, even cooking and easy bite-sized pieces.
Broccoli florets: The star veggie! Fresh crisps up nicely but you can swap in thawed frozen if pressed for time.
Yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Bell pepper: Adds crunch and a pop of color — a simple swap if you prefer other colors or peppers.
Cornstarch: Creates that beautiful, silky sauce texture when combined with water and stirred into the simmering liquid.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce, adding richness without heaviness.
Soy sauce: For that salty, umami punch that wakes the whole dish up.
Brown sugar & honey: Both add layers of sweetness and glossy shine to the sauce.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves, minced, bring that aromatic warmth.
Rice: The perfect side to soak up every bit of this flavorful stir fry. See my notes below for cooking tips.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve played around with swapping veggies and proteins depending on what I have or crave. Feel free to make it truly your own!

Vegetable swaps: I often throw in julienned carrots, water chestnuts, or kale for extra crunch and color — because variety is the spice of life!
Protein changes: Tried this with ground beef once (crazy, I know) and loved the new twist it gave the dish. Tofu makes a great vegetarian swap, too.
Heat factor: If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Sodium control: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth if you’re watching salt—you can always adjust after tasting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sauces Like a Pro

I always start by mixing the cornstarch with cold water in a lidded container — just shake it until smooth and set it aside. Then I combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and garlic in a bowl so everything’s ready to go once my veggies start sizzling. This little prep makes the cooking process a breeze.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear the Chicken

Cutting the chicken into small, even pieces and patting them completely dry is a game changer for a great sear. Season simply with salt and white pepper. Heat your peanut oil over medium-high, and when it’s just shimmering, add the chicken in one layer. Resist the urge to stir too soon — let it get that beautiful golden crust, about 3 minutes, then turn and cook the other sides. This gives you juicy, flavorful chicken instead of steamed.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies to Tender-Crunch

Once the chicken is out, reduce heat slightly and toss in your broccoli florets and onions with a splash more oil if needed. Let the broccoli get bright green and just a bit tender but still crisp, about 3 minutes. Next, add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 1-2 minutes — I love this quick hit of sweetness and crunch here.

Step 4: Bring On the Sauce & Thicken

Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the pan and let it bubble gently for a few minutes to meld those sweet and savory flavors. Give the cornstarch mixture a good shake before drizzling it in slowly while stirring, and watch the sauce thicken to a luscious glossy coating that clings to every bite.

Step 5: Reunite the Chicken & Serve It Up

Finally, stir that golden chicken back into the pan and heat it through for a minute or so. This step keeps everything hot, which I think really helps the flavors marry. Serve it over fluffy, perfectly cooked rice and get ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Dry Chicken Pieces: Patting your chicken completely dry before cooking gives you that perfect golden crust instead of watery steam.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed. Crowding lowers the pan’s heat and prevents proper searing.
Cornstarch Slurry Timing: Add the cornstarch mixture slowly once the sauce is simmering to avoid lumps and control thickness.
Rice Game Changer: Try my trick of adding chicken bouillon cubes to the rice water for extra flavor that pairs beautifully with the stir fry.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my stir fry with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — it adds a fresh snap and subtle nuttiness that’s irresistible. Sometimes I toss on crushed peanuts or sliced almonds for a crunchy contrast, especially when serving for guests.

Side Dishes

While the stir fry itself is filling, I often serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or simple brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you’re feeling fancy, fried rice or even cauliflower rice work wonderfully too. A light Asian-inspired cucumber salad also pairs nicely for extra fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For intimate dinner parties, I’ve served this stir fry over a bed of steamed rice in individual mini cast iron skillets — it keeps it piping hot and makes the presentation feel special. For a relaxed weeknight, a colorful bowl with extra fresh herbs and a wedge of lime brightens up the whole plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the stir fry cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully without losing that saucy charm.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for busy nights ahead, just be sure to cool it completely and store in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture of the broccoli softens slightly but the flavor holds up perfectly.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftover stir fry in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that nice texture and to avoid sogginess. Adding a splash of water or broth while warming helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much overnight.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess water making your stir fry soggy. Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative and cooks up nicely here.
What’s the best way to cook rice for this dish?

I like to cook white long-grain rice by boiling 2 cups of water with a couple of chicken bouillon cubes for extra flavor, then adding 1 cup of rice and simmering on low covered for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute resting period off the heat. This method yields fluffy, flavorful rice that’s perfect with the stir fry.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?

Yes! While chicken is fantastic here, I’ve also experimented with ground beef or tofu, both making for tasty alternatives that absorb the sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe less salty?

Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth, and taste the sauce before adding more salt. You can also balance flavors with extra honey or a splash of lime juice if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a home-cooked meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying without a ton of fuss. It’s perfect for anyone balancing busy days but refusing to sacrifice good flavor. I hope you give it a try — and when you do, picture us chopping at the counter together, sharing stories and savoring every bite. Enjoy!