If you’re craving a dish that balances vibrant vegetables with tender, flavorful chicken in a sauce that’s just right, you’re going to love this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s colorful, satisfying, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. The mix of crisp broccoli, sweet red bell peppers, and juicy chicken all tossed in a luscious sauce makes this dish a reliable crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple yet essential ingredients is the key to pulling off this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. Each one enhances the overall flavor and texture, creating a perfect balance from savory to slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch and tender bites.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thinly slicing them ensures quick cooking and tender pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crisp texture plus a beautiful green color that brightens the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a sweet contrast and adds a pop of cheerful color.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts the aroma and gives the stir fry that classic punch of flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a gently spicy, warm undertone that balances the savory elements.
- Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and depth, the backbone of the sauce’s umami.
- Oyster sauce: Brings richness and a subtle sweetness to elevate every bite.
- Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to just the right silky consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory flavor without overpowering.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, ensuring everything sizzles nicely without sticking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
- Optional garnishes: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions add texture and fresh bursts of flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Start by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth in a small bowl. This mixture is the magic that will coat the ingredients with a delicious, glossy sauce. Setting it aside now means you’re ready to pour it in when the timing is perfect.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. Add your thinly sliced chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Cooking the chicken first lets it develop a golden crust while locking in juiciness. Once cooked through and beautifully browned, remove the chicken to keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and toss in the garlic and ginger. These aromatics cook quickly but carry tons of flavor. Stir them around for about 30 seconds until their scents fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the veggies and chicken.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir frying these keeps them vibrant and tender-crisp, delivering a fresh texture that contrasts beautifully with the chicken. Cook everything together for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are just right.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well so every piece gets coated evenly. This step melds all the flavors together, making sure the sauce clings to every bite.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Continue cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and form a shiny glaze on the chicken and vegetables. This finishing touch brings everything together in a wonderfully cohesive dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. These garnishes add delightful texture and freshness that make the dish feel special and inviting.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch, while chopped green onions give a refreshing bite and a splash of color. These small touches elevate the presentation and taste, making each plate look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a fun twist, serve it alongside noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it light. A crisp side salad or simple miso soup can round out the meal beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant dinner spread, serve this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe family-style in a large bowl surrounded by small dishes of extra garnishes or sauces. You can also plate it in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal or add chopped peanuts for another layer of texture. The possibilities are as exciting as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and broccoli stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and is a fantastic ready-to-go meal for quick lunches or dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, pack the stir fry into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When sealed well, it can keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly and revive that wonderful sauce. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating works too but stirring halfway through helps avoid cold spots.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli and red bell peppers are classic, you can add snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn to keep things colorful and tasty. Just adjust cooking times to keep veggies crisp and fresh.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free too. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so the thickening stays the same. This way, you maintain the signature flavors without worry.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor, making the stir fry even richer. Just slice them thinly to ensure quick, even cooking.
How spicy is this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, making it a great option for those who prefer milder dishes. If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili to the garlic and ginger step for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this stir fry?
Freeze the chicken breasts for about 20 minutes before slicing; this firms them up and makes thin, uniform slices much easier to cut. Thin slices cook faster and allow the sauce to penetrate, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the vibrant mix of textures and flavors in this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s incredibly approachable for any cook, bursting with fresh ingredients and saucy goodness that will brighten up your dinner table. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it as a quick, delicious weeknight staple!
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal featuring tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and colorful red bell pepper, all tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir fry is packed with flavor and can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauces and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to use later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and has a golden-brown exterior. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over them and stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
- Thicken the sauce: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the stir fry from heat. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a sliced chili or a splash of chili sauce when cooking the garlic and ginger.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or use a mushroom-based alternative.
- You can swap chicken breast for thigh meat if you want a juicier bite.
- The sauce can be adjusted in sweetness or saltiness by adding a small amount of sugar or reducing soy sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain slightly crisp for best texture.
