Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Published January 5, 2018. Updated April 22, 2020

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Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry gives a whole new meaning to the label “easy chicken dinner.” It’s a breeze to make yet the end result is full of flavor and sure to satisfy! Plus it’s a healthy chicken recipe to keep you on the right track with those New Year’s resolutions.

I’ve partnered with Argo® Corn Starch to create this simple stir-fry recipe!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry atop white rice in large bowl

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

I’ve always loved stir-fry recipes. My mom made a loaded veggie stir-fry when I was growing up so now I always crave it.

In this Chinese chicken and broccoli stir-fry, you get bite-sized chicken pieces pan-seared until they’re golden brown. Then broccoli is cooked until tender and then you toss the chicken and broccoli with a teriyaki-style sauce.

It’s got such a tasty combination of flavors, and it’s sure to curb those Chinese take-out cravings — without all the frying and high calories.

This is my kind of weeknight chicken dinner recipe! Quick and easy to make, yet seriously delicious!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry ingredients laid out on counter

Chicken and Broccoli Ingredients

This Chinese chicken with broccoli recipe doesn’t require any special ingredients, and I bet you have most of the items listed below on hand already!

For this healthy chicken and broccoli recipe, you’ll need:

  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Vegetable oil
  • Green onions
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Broccoli florets

Whisk soy sauce mixture in a mixing bowl for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix in chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar and sesame oil, set aside.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over fairly high heat. Dab chicken dry with paper towels, then add to skillet in a single layer.
  • Cook chicken turning halfway through, until center registers 165ºF, about 6 – 7 minutes. Transfer to a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap to keep warm.
  • Reduce burner temperature slightly, heat remaining oil in now empty skillet. Add in green onions, ginger and garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
  • Add in broccoli and water and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes, while adding in an additional 1 – 2 Tbsp water as needed.
  • Stir soy sauce mixture once more then pour into skillet. Cook stirring constantly until sauce has thickened, about 1 – 2 minutes longer.
  • Add in chicken and any accumulated juices. Toss well. Serve warm over rice sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Chicken pieces browned in skillet for chicken broccoli stir fry

Do I Have to Use Cornstarch?

You wouldn’t believe how many recipes I use Argo Corn Starch in! From cupcakes, to Chicken with Sun Dried Tomato Sauce, to Turkey Avocado Egg Wraps, to our go-to Slow Cooker Beef Stew, and our favorite Frosted Sugar Cookies that I make on a monthly basis.

The corn starch is a key ingredient in each and every one of those recipes and none of them would be the same without it. It’s a true pantry staple that I always have on hand.

It may only require small amounts, but that’s a great thing about it — a little goes a long way. And it doesn’t add flavor when you cook it through, so the intended flavors of your dish will shine. Plus, Argo® Corn Starch is gluten-free.

Here I used Argo® Corn Starch to thicken the stir-fry sauce. Without it, it would have no body to it — it would be about the consistency of water, do we want that for a sauce? Umm, no thanks.

That’s the great thing about Argo, it thickens the sauce up so well here so it coats your chicken and broccoli leaving it brimming with flavor.

Sauteed broccoli and garlic in skillet for chicken and broccoli stir fry

What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli

This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is practically a meal in itself. If you’re in need of an easy side dish to pair with it, here are a few of my favorites:

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Here?

You could also use frozen broccoli florets here, just be sure they are fully heated through as recommend on the package. Then drain off any excess liquid.

How Can I Adjust the Sodium?

Add a little more soy sauce to taste as desired, everyones preferred level of saltiness is a bit different. I recommend adding the extra soy sauce a little at a time, because it can quickly overwhelm this stir-fry!

close up of chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in skillet

How to Reheat Chicken and Broccoli

For best results, I recommend reheating leftover Chinese chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid using the microwave, as that’s guaranteed to turn the broccoli to mush.

How Long Does Chicken and Broccoli Last?

This homemade chicken and broccoli stir-fry will last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in bowl next to container of cornstarch

Tips for the Best Chicken and Broccoli

  • You need to remove the chicken from the skillet while you cook the broccoli, otherwise it will be overcooked by the time this stir-fry is ready to eat.
  • If you or a loved one has a sesame allergy, feel free to omit the sesame seeds and sesame oil. They’re added for flavor but can easily be left out.
  • I know it’s not traditional, but I bet you could add other veggies (like snap peas and peppers) to this stir-fry.

More Chinese Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:

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Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
4.73 from 11 votes

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Pan seared chicken and sautéed broccoli are covered in a sweet and salty teriyaki style sauce that will leave you wanting more! It's such an easy and flavorful recipe that's perfect for those hectic weekdays, plus it's sure to satisfy those Chinese take-out cravings. 
Servings: 4
Prep15 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Ready in: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix in chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar and sesame oil, set aside.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over fairly high heat. Dab chicken dry with paper towels then add to skillet in a single layer. 
  • Cook chicken turning halfway through, until center registers 165, about 6 - 7 minutes. Transfer to a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap to keep warm.
  • Reduce burner temperature slightly, heat remaining 2 Tbsp oil in now empty skillet. Add in green onions, ginger and garlic and saute 30 seconds.
  • Add in broccoli and water and saute until tender, about 5 minutes, while adding in an additional 1 - 2 Tbsp water as needed.
  • Stir soy sauce mixture once more then pour into skillet. Cook stirring constantly until sauce has thickened, about 1 - 2 minutes longer. 
  • Add in chicken and any accumulated juices. Toss well. Serve warm over rice sprinkled with sesame seeds. 

Notes

  • This stir-fry reheats well. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with the lid on. 
  • Rice not included in nutritional info.
  • Recipe source: Cooking Classy
Nutrition Facts
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Amount Per Serving
Calories 335 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 72mg24%
Sodium 939mg41%
Potassium 875mg25%
Carbohydrates 22g7%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 29g58%
Vitamin A 865IU17%
Vitamin C 105.8mg128%
Calcium 74mg7%
Iron 1.8mg10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.