If you’re anything like me and crave quick meals that still feel like a big hug on a plate, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is one of my all-time favorites — it’s speedy, packed with flavor, and super satisfying without any fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or when you want something wholesome without breaking a sweat, this stir fry hits all the right notes. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your version turns out just as amazing as mine!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory soy sauce, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and honey, and a hint of garlic makes each bite pop without overpowering.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Searing the chicken undisturbed locks in juices and gives a gorgeous golden crust for texture and flavor.
Crisp-Tender Vegetables: Cooking broccoli and bell peppers just enough keeps their bright color and fresh crunch.
Simple Thickening: Using a cornstarch slurry lets you control the sauce consistency easily for that glossy finish everyone loves.

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, healthy chicken stir fry, quick stir fry recipes, easy chicken dinner, vegetable stir fry recipes - The image shows a shiny stainless steel pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The dish has several layers of ingredients: bright green broccoli pieces with a rough texture, soft-looking chunks of light brown chicken, thin yellow bell pepper strips with a smooth surface, and slices of translucent onion. The ingredients are mixed evenly, with a glossy brown sauce coating them, giving a slightly wet and shiny look. The pan is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe plays a key role in creating the flavor and texture harmony I love. Picking fresh broccoli and chicken, plus the right balance of sauce components, really makes a difference. Here’s a little rundown on what I use and why.

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, healthy chicken stir fry, quick stir fry recipes, easy chicken dinner, vegetable stir fry recipes - Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, bright green broccoli florets, a sliced yellow onion, a sliced red bell pepper, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden peanut oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of packed brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of pale cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of cold water, and a small white ceramic bowl of amber chicken broth, three cups of fluffy cooked white long grain rice arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Peanut oil: I prefer peanut oil for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, but vegetable or olive oil work in a pinch.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to slice and cook quickly; drying them well helps achieve a nice sear.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for crunch; you can swap frozen if short on time but just thaw and pat dry first.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the broccoli.
Bell pepper: I like using red or yellow for their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it that restaurant-style glossy finish.
Chicken broth: Gives the sauce a rich base; low sodium versions help you control saltiness.
Soy sauce: Brings umami flavor; I recommend using the low sodium kind if watching salt intake.
Brown sugar and honey: These two balance the savory and add a delicate sweetness that rounds the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch of aromatic warmth you want in every stir fry.
Rice: Any kind works as a base — I have a foolproof method for fluffy, flavorful rice below!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I always encourage you to make this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe your own — that’s part of the fun! Over time, I’ve played around with different add-ins and tweaks to keep it exciting and suit what I have on hand.

Vegetable variations: I love adding julienned carrots or water chestnuts for extra crunch; kale and celery make great swaps or additions too.
Protein swaps: Once I tried this recipe with ground beef instead of chicken – surprisingly tasty and quicker too!
Sauce adjustments: If you like it spicier, a splash of chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes goes a long way.
Low sodium versions: Using reduced sodium soy sauce and broth helps if you’re watching your salt intake without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything First

Before you even turn on the stove, get your cornstarch slurry ready by mixing 3 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water in a covered container—give it a good shake and set it aside. Then whisk together the sauce ingredients in another bowl. Having everything prepped (chopped veggies, cut chicken, sauce mixed) means you won’t be scrambling once the heat’s on — trust me, this step makes all the difference!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and white pepper. Heat your peanut oil over medium-high until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken, and here’s the trick — don’t move it for about 3 minutes. Let it get that beautiful golden sear. Then toss and cook another 2–3 minutes until all sides are cooked through and golden-brown. Remove and set aside. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables Just Right

Lower the heat to medium, and if the pan looks dry, add a little more oil. Toss in your broccoli florets and sliced onions first; stir to coat them well in oil. Cook for about 3 minutes or until they start to soften but still have bite. Add the bell peppers and cook another 1–2 minutes — you want them crisp-tender and vibrant.

Step 4: Bring the Sauce to Life

Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Shake the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly drizzle it into your pan while stirring continuously. The sauce will start thickening in moments — keep stirring gently until it reaches your preferred consistency. Turn the heat to low to keep it warm.

Step 5: Finish by Reuniting Chicken and Sauce

Now stir the chicken back into the pan, mixing well to coat every morsel with that glossy sauce. Heat through for a minute or two. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have the rice ready by now and eagerly awaiting this delicious stir fry to crown it.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Dry Chicken for Better Sear: Always pat chicken pieces completely dry before cooking to help them brown nicely rather than steam.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer so it sears well and doesn’t get soggy.
Vegetable Timing: Adding the bell peppers later keeps their vibrant color and crunch intact, enhancing texture contrast.
Control the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry slowly and stir constantly to avoid lumps and get the perfect glossy thickness.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, healthy chicken stir fry, quick stir fry recipes, easy chicken dinner, vegetable stir fry recipes - The image shows a silver metal cooking pot filled with a stir-fry dish containing chunks of light golden chicken pieces, bright green broccoli florets, slices of translucent white onions, and strips of yellow bell peppers, all coated in a glossy dark brown sauce. A large silver ladle is partially submerged in the stir-fry, with some of the mixture scooped up in it. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a folded white cloth nearby. In the top left corner, a portion of white rice is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped green onions over the top for a fresh bite and a pop of color. Sometimes I throw on a handful of roughly chopped toasted peanuts or sesame seeds too — they add a satisfying crunch and a little nutty flavor that’s just divine. You can get creative here with crunchy chow mein noodles or sliced almonds for contrast!

Side Dishes

Rice is the classic choice, and I have a little method for perfectly fluffy and flavorful white rice — add a couple of chicken bouillon cubes to the boiling water before adding rice. It infuses the grains with savory goodness. Brown or jasmine rice work great too. If you want something lighter, steamed cauliflower rice makes a tasty low-carb alternative.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this stir fry inside hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a festive look that’s perfect for dinner guests or a weekend treat. Another time, I laid it over a bed of noodles instead of rice with a generous squeeze of lime on top — super refreshing and totally different. Try garnishing with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of sriracha for a flavor boost too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in airtight containers in the fridge and they last beautifully up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and the veggies stay crisp-tender even after reheating. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture of the broccoli softens a bit, so if you prefer crunch, it’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently either in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. This keeps the dish tasting freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for the Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the broccoli dry really well before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy. Frozen broccoli is a convenient shortcut and still tastes great.
What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy in this stir fry?

Pat the chicken dry and don’t overcrowd your pan to avoid steaming. Let the pieces sear undisturbed on medium-high heat before tossing or flipping. This ensures a golden crust and juicy interior.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good stir before adding it to your stir fry to recombine any settled ingredients.
What rice do you recommend serving with this stir fry?

Long grain white rice is my go-to — simple, fluffy, and it soaks up the sauce beautifully. Jasmine and brown rice are great options too depending on your preference. I also have a method using chicken bouillon cubes while cooking rice to give extra flavor, which you’ll find in the notes.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is one I come back to over and over — it’s dependable, delicious, and forgiving enough to suit any skill level. I love sharing it because it feels like home cooked comfort food but without the overwhelm. Give it a try and tweak it with your favorite veggies or spices, and you might just find your new weeknight staple. I’m cheering you on in your kitchen adventures—happy cooking, friend!