Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender slices of chicken and crisp broccoli in a glossy ginger-garlic sauce. A fast, better-than-takeout stir fry that comes together in the time it takes to cook rice.
By Mia HartwellUpdated March 1, 2026
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Better than takeout in under 30 minutes
- 36g of protein and loaded with broccoli
- One pan and a glossy, savory ginger-garlic sauce
- Easily customized with whatever vegetables you have
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
27 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 320kcal
- Protein
- 36g
- Carbs
- 18g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 7g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the soy sauce, broth, oyster sauce, and honey; set aside. Mix the cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and stir-fry 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked to 165°F (74°C). Remove to a plate.
- 3
Add the remaining oil and the broccoli with a splash of water. Cover and steam 2 minutes, then stir-fry 1-2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- 4
Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Return the chicken, pour in the sauce, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1 minute until the sauce turns glossy and thick.
- 6
Serve immediately over rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Slice the chicken thinly and against the grain for the most tender, quick-cooking pieces.
- Keep the heat high and have everything prepped — stir-frying moves fast and waits for nothing.
- A splash of water plus a quick cover steams the broccoli just enough so it's crisp-tender, not raw or mushy.
- Add the cornstarch slurry only at the end; it thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze in about a minute.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Prep everything before the heat goes on
Stir-frying is fast and unforgiving, so mise en place is essential. Mix your sauce, make the cornstarch slurry, slice the chicken thin against the grain, and cut the broccoli into even florets — all before the pan gets hot. Once you start cooking, there's no time to chop.
Cook in batches over high heat
A screaming-hot pan gives you a quick sear instead of a slow steam. Cook the chicken first until browned and at 165°F (74°C), then remove it so the pan stays hot for the broccoli. A brief covered steam softens the broccoli's interior while keeping it bright and crisp-tender.
Sauce and thicken at the end
Bloom the garlic and ginger for just 30 seconds — long enough to release their aroma, short enough to avoid burning. Return the chicken, add the sauce, and finish with the cornstarch slurry, which transforms the thin liquid into a glossy glaze that clings to every piece. Serve right away over hot rice.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet to keep the broccoli from going soft. Best stored without the rice so each can be reheated separately.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken broccoli stir fry pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?+
Yes. No need to thaw — add it straight to the pan and cook a minute or two longer, draining any excess water so the sauce doesn't dilute.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?+
Hoisin sauce or a little extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar will give a similar savory-sweet depth.
How do I add more vegetables?+
Snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms all work — just add denser vegetables earlier so everything finishes crisp-tender.
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.