This Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are cooked until golden, then tossed with crisp-tender broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce infused with garlic, ginger, soy, and honey. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a better-than-takeout classic that delivers comfort and bold flavor with minimal effort. Serve it over rice and top with sesame seeds for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
⅓ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp finely grated peeled ginger
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into ½” pieces
2 medium heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
Cooked brown or white rice, for serving
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and sesame oil until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes until it releases easily. Stir and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add broccoli and the prepared sauce. Cover and let steam for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender.
Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Stir everything together for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Serve hot over rice, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 370
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 75mg
Iron: 2mg

A Balanced Blend of Sweet, Savory, and Umami

The sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s a beautiful balance of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey—creating a blend that’s rich in umami with just enough sweetness to enhance the chicken and broccoli without overpowering them. Toasted sesame oil adds depth and a subtle nuttiness, while cornstarch in the sauce helps it thicken to a glossy, clingy consistency that coats every ingredient evenly.

This harmony of flavors makes the dish not only crave-worthy but also incredibly versatile. You can keep it as is, spice it up with chili flakes, or add a dash of rice vinegar or sriracha for extra zing. No matter how you tweak it, the base always delivers bold, clean flavor with comforting familiarity.

Tender Chicken, Perfectly Seared

Chicken is the protein star of this stir-fry, offering a lean, juicy element that pairs beautifully with the assertive sauce and crunchy vegetables. Whether you choose chicken thighs for their rich flavor or chicken breasts for a lighter option, the key is cooking the meat until golden and lightly crisped on the edges.

Searing the chicken over high heat allows it to develop color and flavor while keeping the inside moist. Because the chicken pieces are cut small, they cook quickly—perfect for when you need dinner on the table fast.

Crisp-Tender Broccoli for Freshness and Crunch

Broccoli plays a starring role in both texture and nutrition. When cooked properly—just until bright green and slightly tender—it retains a pleasant crunch that complements the soft chicken and silky sauce. It also absorbs the flavor of the sauce, enhancing its mild taste while providing a satisfying bite.

Aside from taste and texture, broccoli brings valuable nutrients to the table, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to stir-fry and holds up well in sauces, making it a natural choice for a dish like this.

A One-Pan Dinner with Easy Clean-Up

One of the major benefits of this stir-fry is its simplicity. Everything is cooked in a single skillet or wok, which means fewer dishes and a quicker cleanup. This makes it perfect for weeknights when time and energy are limited, but you still want a hearty, wholesome meal.

The one-pan method also helps meld the flavors together, allowing the sauce to simmer briefly with the chicken and broccoli so everything tastes cohesive. It’s efficient, satisfying, and endlessly repeatable.

Customizable for Every Palate

While the base recipe is universally appealing, it’s also highly adaptable to personal tastes or dietary needs. Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots. Going low-carb? Serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as-is. Need a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth and soy sauce without fish-derived ingredients.

You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the honey or reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce. The flexibility of this recipe makes it an excellent canvas for creativity and customization while maintaining its delicious foundation.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for weekly meal prep. Once cooked, it can be portioned into containers with rice for a full meal that reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove. The sauce keeps the dish moist and flavorful, even after a day or two in the fridge.

This makes it a fantastic option for anyone trying to eat healthier throughout the week without having to cook from scratch every day. It’s also great for packing into lunch containers, whether for work, school, or on-the-go nourishment.

Nutritious and Satisfying

Not only is this dish flavorful and easy to make—it’s also well-balanced from a nutritional standpoint. With lean protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and the option to serve it over brown rice or whole grains, it offers a complete, satisfying meal in one bowl.

It’s lower in calories than traditional takeout and contains no hidden sugars, oils, or additives. By making it at home, you control every ingredient that goes into it, ensuring it fits your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Great for Families and Picky Eaters

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is family-friendly and kid-approved. The sauce is mild and slightly sweet, which appeals to younger palates, and the bite-sized chicken and familiar broccoli make it an easy sell. It’s a fantastic gateway dish for introducing children (or hesitant adults) to stir-fry and Asian-inspired flavors.

You can also adjust the spice level or swap in more familiar vegetables for picky eaters. For those who love a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top adds texture and visual appeal.

Easy to Scale Up or Down

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is easy to scale. You can double the recipe for meal prep or large gatherings, or make a half batch for a quick solo dinner. The ingredients are affordable, easy to find, and pantry-friendly, so there’s no need to run to specialty stores or invest in expensive items.

Even when made in larger quantities, the recipe remains quick and efficient—perfect for batch cooking or feeding a group without stress.

Conclusion: A Quick Weeknight Favorite You’ll Crave Again and Again

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is everything a busy cook could want—fast, flavorful, filling, and flexible. It delivers on all fronts: bold taste, wholesome ingredients, and minimal mess. From the glossy, garlic-ginger sauce to the tender chicken and bright, crunchy broccoli, every element works together in perfect harmony.

Whether served over fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even noodles, it’s a meal that satisfies without overwhelming. Best of all, it’s a recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to share with friends and family. Once you try it, it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.

Simple to make. Better than takeout. Always a hit. This stir-fry is comfort food with a fresh twist—and it never gets old.

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