This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every single time. It's about to become one of your go-to favorites!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cut of chicken is best for stir-fry?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh sliced thin against the grain. Thighs stay juicier but breast gives a leaner result. Slice no thicker than ¼ inch for fast cooking.
2. How do I make stir-fry sauce from scratch?
Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry for thickening. Mix these together before you start cooking — stir-fry moves fast and there is no time to measure.
3. Why is high heat important for stir-fry?
High heat sears the chicken and vegetables quickly, creating caramelization (wok hei) while keeping vegetables crisp-tender. Low heat steams everything into a soggy mess.
4. How do I keep the broccoli crisp and green?
Cook the broccoli separately from the chicken for just 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Add it back at the very end so it stays crisp and does not overcook.
5. Should I marinate the chicken first?
A quick 15-minute marinade in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil tenderizes the chicken and helps it sear better. The cornstarch coating (velveting) is a Chinese restaurant technique.
6. What is the velveting technique?
Coating sliced chicken in cornstarch, egg white, and a splash of soy sauce before cooking. This creates a silky, tender coating that seals in moisture — the secret to restaurant-quality stir-fry.
7. What order should I cook the ingredients?
Cook chicken first and remove. Stir-fry broccoli next and remove. Build the sauce in the empty wok, then return everything and toss together. This prevents overcooking any single ingredient.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, baby corn, and carrots are all excellent additions. Cut everything the same size for even cooking.
9. What should I serve chicken and broccoli stir-fry with?
Steamed white or brown rice is the classic pairing. Lo mein noodles, fried rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option all work well.
10. Can I meal prep stir-fry?
The chicken and sauce store well for 3-4 days. Cook the broccoli fresh when reheating for the best texture — pre-cooked broccoli becomes mushy in the microwave.
Watch How to Make This
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
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In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients and whisk to dissolve sugar and cornstarch. Set sauce aside.
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Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces (no more than ¾” thick) and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken in a single layer and let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute to get a good sear then stir fry for another 6 - 8 minutes or until golden brown just cooked through then remove to a plate.
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In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon oil along with broccoli florets, sliced onion and sliced mushrooms. Stir fry 3 minutes or until mushrooms are softened and broccoli is crisp-tender then reduce heat to medium/low.
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Give the sauce a quick stir in case there was any settling of starch and pour all of it over the vegetables. Simmer 3-4 minutes or until sauce is thickened . To thin the sauce, add water a tablespoon at a time.
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Return chicken to the pan and stir for another 60 seconds or until heated through. Add more soy sauce to taste if needed and serve over hot white rice.
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I hope you enjoy this easy and tasty chicken and broccoli stir fry recipe. Let me know in the comments on Youtube if you try it out and how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
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Tips for making the perfect Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry:
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Use a large, heavy skillet or wok. This will allow you to cook the chicken and vegetables evenly and quickly. A heavy skillet will also help to prevent burning or sticking.
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Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken to cook quickly and evenly. It's important to not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure that it gets a good sear and doesn't steam.
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Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken and add some extra seasoning to the dish.
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Cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender. Overcooking the vegetables can cause them to become mushy and lose their nutritional value.
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Don't be afraid to add more soy sauce or other seasonings to taste. Everyone's taste buds are different, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
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Serve the chicken and broccoli stir fry over hot white rice. The rice will help to absorb the delicious sauce and make for a filling and satisfying meal.
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With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create a perfect chicken and broccoli stir fry every time. Enjoy!
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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