
Skip the takeout tonight. Juicy chicken and crisp broccoli come together in a glossy savory sweet sauce in under 30 minutes for a reliable weeknight meal.

This easy Chicken and Broccoli stir fry has been my lifesaver on busy evenings when I want something comforting fast and bright. I first learned a simple version of this dish years ago when I needed a quick weeknight solution that would please both adults and kids. The dish delivers juicy, well seasoned chicken and broccoli that is crisp yet tender, all coated in a glossy sauce that balances salty and sweet notes. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and invites seconds without any fuss.
I remember the first time I served this to friends who usually prefer takeout. They commented on how light yet satisfying it felt and how the sauce clung to the chicken in the best way. Because the technique is straightforward and forgiving, it has become a repeat option for my family. With a few pantry staples, a hot pan, and 25 minutes, a weeknight can feel a little special. Read on for step by step guidance, smart swaps, storage advice, and ways to make this dish your own.
In my kitchen this dish is often requested because it feels lighter than takeout yet comfortingly familiar. My family’s favorite moment is when the sauce first hits the pan and everything starts to gleam. When I serve it over steaming rice, the aroma alone signals dinner is ready. It has earned a regular spot in rotation because it reliably satisfies and is fast to execute.
My favorite aspect is how forgiving the method is. Once you master the timing for your stove and pan you can scale the protein or vegetable without changing technique. I often double the broccoli because it stretches the meal and adds color. Family members notice the contrast between the crisp tender broccoli and the glossy chicken which always earns compliments. Serve hot and avoid overcooking to preserve both flavor and nutrition.
To store leftover stir fry place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For freezing, cool the dish completely then transfer to a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating from the refrigerator warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through while adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For frozen portions thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving from frozen as broccoli can become mushy.
Swap soy sauce for tamari to make the dish gluten free, keeping the same volume. If you skip oyster sauce replace it with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce plus a teaspoon of fish sauce or a dash of Worcestershire for depth. Use maple syrup or more brown sugar instead of honey for a vegan friendly flavor profile together with a vegan oyster sauce alternative. For lower sodium results choose low sodium soy sauce and taste before adding extra salt. If you prefer different vegetables try snap peas, bell peppers, or sliced carrots using similar cook times for crisp tender results.
Serve the stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a whole grain option. For noodle bowls toss with wide rice noodles or udon keeping the sauce amount steady to avoid sogginess. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for aroma. Offer lime wedges on the side to brighten the flavors or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. A simple side of pickled cucumbers or a light cabbage slaw pairs well to add refreshing contrast.
This style of quick stir cooking has roots in East Asian home cooking where a hot wok and fast technique allow ingredients to cook quickly while preserving natural color and texture. Combining a savory soy based sauce with a sweetener and a thickener is common in family kitchens where balance of flavor and speed matters. Regional variations use different sauces and aromatics, and oyster sauce originated in southern Chinese coastal cooking to add a savory umami character that works beautifully with green vegetables and poultry.
In spring and summer replace broccoli with tender asparagus or baby bok choy for a lighter feel. In fall and winter add heartier vegetables like diced sweet potato or cauliflower using a slightly longer steam time. Holiday versions can include cashews or toasted almonds for a festive crunch and citrus zest for brightness. Adjust cooking water and lid time to match vegetable density so your final dish retains the intended crisp tender texture.
Slice the chicken and chop the broccoli ahead of time and store both in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Combine the sauce components in a jar and keep chilled until ready to use. When cooking multiples for the week cook rice separately and portion into containers. Reheat the stir fry in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce and keep vegetables from drying. Label containers with dates for safe storage and rotation.
This Chicken and Broccoli stir fry is a dependable weeknight solution that rewards simple technique with full flavor. Make it your own by adjusting sweetness, salt, or spice and enjoy the ease of a meal that comes together quickly and satisfies consistently.
Pat the chicken dry before slicing to ensure a golden sear and avoid steaming in the pan.
Make the cornstarch slurry in advance and whisk it into the sauce last so it thickens quickly and evenly.
Use a very hot pan and preheat oil until shimmering to get a restaurant style sear on the chicken.
Reserve a small bowl of sauce extra if you like more glaze when serving rice or noodles.
This nourishing easy chicken & broccoli stir fry recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
Use tamari to make the sauce gluten free. For a vegan option replace chicken with firm tofu and use a vegan oyster sauce alternative.
Sear the chicken until golden and remove it while you steam the broccoli. Return the chicken only when the sauce is ready so it does not overcook.
This Easy Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Slice chicken thinly against the grain and pat dry. Trim broccoli into uniform florets. Mince garlic and ginger and prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat until shimmering. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook in a single layer for 4 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add remaining tablespoon oil to the pan and toss in broccoli for 30 seconds. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water and cover for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp tender. Remove lid and allow steam to evaporate.
Push broccoli to the sides to expose the hot surface. Add minced garlic and ginger to the center and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant without burning.
Return chicken to the pan with any juices and stir to combine. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce optional, honey or brown sugar and the cornstarch slurry. Pour over the chicken and broccoli and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Spoon the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately to keep textures at their best.
Last Step: Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Leave a comment & rating below or tag
@royalmorsel on social media!


Juicy beef, sweet-charred peppers, and a silky queso drizzle turn these sliders into the ultimate crowd-pleasing bite for game day or weeknight fun.

Melt-in-your-mouth braised short ribs nestled over creamy garlic mashed potatoes, all in a rich, herb-scented sauce that feels like a warm hug.

Golden, garlicky pull-apart loaf swaddled in buttery herbs and stretchy mozzarella that begs to be shared warm from the oven.

Leave a comment & rating below or tag @royalmorsel on social media!
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don't forget to leave a review!
This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
Comments are stored locally in your browser. Server comments are displayed alongside your local comments.
Join to receive our email series which contains a round-up of some of our quick and easy family favorite recipes.