Chicken and Broccoli: The Easy One-Pan Dinner Everyone Loves
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and family-friendly dinner that tastes just as good as your favorite takeout, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is exactly what you need. Tender bites of juicy chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich garlic soy sauce come together in one pan to create a meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
The best part? This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, requires very little cleanup, and is easy enough for beginners to master. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a last-minute weeknight dinner, this chicken and broccoli recipe never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Better and healthier than takeout
- High in protein
- One-pan meal
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to customize
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Recommended Brands
- Kikkoman Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil
- Argo Corn Starch
- Kirkland Signature Boneless Chicken Breast
Vegetables
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, sliced thin (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
Stir Fry Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Getting everything ready before cooking makes this recipe much easier.
You’ll need:
- Large wok or nonstick skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small bowl for sauce
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Garlic press (optional)
- Box grater for ginger
- Tongs
- Serving bowls
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into even bite-sized cubes.
Place it in a bowl and add:
- cornstarch
- salt
- pepper
- soy sauce
- sesame oil
Mix well until every piece is coated.
Let it marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
Step 2: Wash the Broccoli
Wash thoroughly.
Cut into medium florets.
Try keeping the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Aromatics
Mince the garlic.
Grate the ginger.
Slice the green onions.
If using carrots or peppers, slice them thinly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together:
- soy sauce
- chicken broth
- oyster sauce
- brown sugar
- honey
- rice vinegar
- sesame oil
In another tiny bowl mix:
- cornstarch
- cold water
This is called a slurry.
Set both aside.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Heat a large wok over medium-high heat.
Add avocado oil.
Wait until the oil is shimmering.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Cook for about 3–4 minutes without stirring too much.
Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until lightly golden.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add another splash of oil if needed.
Cook:
- broccoli
- carrots
- peppers
Stir fry for 4–5 minutes.
The broccoli should stay bright green and slightly crisp.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add garlic and ginger.
Cook only 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Don’t let the garlic burn.
Step 5: Add Everything Together
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Pour in the prepared sauce.
Stir well.
Add the cornstarch slurry.
Cook another 2–3 minutes.
The sauce will become glossy and thick.
Step 6: Finish
Sprinkle with:
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
Serve immediately.
Secret Tips for Restaurant-Style Chicken and Broccoli
✔ Cook over high heat.
✔ Never overcrowd the pan.
✔ Dry the broccoli after washing.
✔ Marinate the chicken before cooking.
✔ Use fresh garlic and ginger.
✔ Add sesame oil at the end for maximum aroma.
✔ Do not overcook the broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Egg fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Chow mein
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed dumplings
- Spring rolls
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Chili flakes
- Crushed peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Additional Tips & Variations
Make It Spicy
Add:
- Sriracha
- Chili garlic sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Low Carb Version
Replace rice with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
Gluten-Free
Use:
- Tamari
- Gluten-free oyster sauce
Extra Vegetables
Add:
- Mushrooms
- Snow peas
- Baby corn
- Bok choy
- Water chestnuts
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
Meal Prep Friendly
Store in airtight containers with rice.
Keeps well for up to 4 days.
Freezer Friendly
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Total Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 98 mg |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
| Potassium | 840 mg |
| Vitamin A | 32% DV |
| Vitamin C | 118% DV |
| Calcium | 9% DV |
| Iron | 14% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes.
Thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water.
Microwaving also works for quick lunches.
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely.
This recipe is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Can I make it without oyster sauce?
Yes.
Replace it with additional soy sauce plus one teaspoon of hoisin sauce for similar richness.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Marinating with soy sauce and cornstarch helps lock in moisture and creates the soft texture often found in restaurant stir fries.
Wrap-Up
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry proves that a homemade dinner can be every bit as satisfying as takeout. With juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory garlic soy glaze, this recipe delivers big flavor using simple ingredients and one pan. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, healthy enough for meal prep, and flexible enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice level.
Fun Fact: Chicken and broccoli is one of the most popular Chinese-American restaurant dishes. While traditional Chinese cuisine often uses different greens like Chinese broccoli (gai lan), this version became a favorite thanks to its familiar ingredients, balanced flavors, and easy preparation at home. Once you make it yourself, you’ll see why it’s a go-to comfort meal for so many families.
