Quick & Flavorful Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Whipping up a delightful healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry brings excitement to any weeknight dinner challenge.

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken create a perfect protein-packed meal in minutes.

Colorful ingredients dance together in a hot wok, releasing incredible aromas that signal something special is brewing.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Lean protein meets vibrant green vegetables for a nutritious combination that satisfies hunger and nourishes your body.

Seasoned with simple Asian-inspired touches, this dish delivers bold tastes without excess calories.

Quick cooking ensures every bite remains succulent and packed with wholesome goodness.

Jump into this simple recipe and watch how effortlessly nutritious meals can become your new kitchen superpower.

Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry That Packs a Punch

• Master Quick Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this stir-fry delivers a powerhouse of healthy ingredients in one delicious meal.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a fast, nutritious dinner.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method, saving time on preparation and washing dishes while creating a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for a Nutritious and Flavorful Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds a hearty and filling element to the stir fry.

• Broccoli: Nutrient-dense green vegetable that provides crunch and health benefits.

• Garlic, Ginger: Flavor-enhancing ingredients that add depth and traditional Asian-inspired taste.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: Creates a balanced and savory-sweet sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli.

• Cornstarch: Optional ingredient that helps create a glossy and thick sauce consistency.

• Olive Oil: Provides a medium for cooking and adds a light flavor to the dish.

• Rice, Quinoa: Complementary base grains that can accompany the stir fry.

How to Cook Tender Chicken and Crisp Broccoli to Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, ensuring the surface is evenly coated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken

Add chicken slices and cook until they turn golden brown and are completely done.

Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

• Garlic
• Ginger

Sauté these ingredients for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant essence.

Step 4: Tenderize The Broccoli

Add broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly tender but maintains a crisp texture.

Step 5: Reunite Proteins And Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it with the broccoli.

Step 6: Create The Flavor Blend

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken and broccoli.

Step 7: Enhance Sauce Consistency

Optional step: Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce reaches a desirable thickness.

Step 8: Final Touch And Serving

Stir everything thoroughly, add a quick garnish, and serve over rice or quinoa if desired.

Tips to Enhance Flavor While Keeping It Healthy and Light

• Slice chicken uniformly for even cooking and faster preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with tight, green florets for the best texture and nutritional value.
• Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicy dishes.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the recipe more diet-friendly.

Variations to Personalize Your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cutting into similar-sized pieces and pressing out excess moisture before stir-frying for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Base: Substitute traditional rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chili garlic sauce during sauce preparation to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas That Bring Out the Best in This Stir Fry

• Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Portion this stir fry into meal prep containers with brown rice for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals wanting nutritious grab-and-go meals.
• Veggie Boost Platter: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to increase nutritional diversity. Creates a colorful, balanced plate that makes eating healthy feel exciting and delicious.
• Asian-Inspired Rice Bowl: Create a restaurant-style experience by layering the stir fry over steamed jasmine rice, topped with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of extra sesame oil. Transforms a simple recipe into an elegant dining moment that feels gourmet and satisfying.

How to Store Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for Freshness

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and broccoli stir fry separate from rice or quinoa to prevent sogginess.
• Transfer to shallow containers to help cool quickly and promote even chilling.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to prevent excess water and ensure proper stir-frying.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

• How do I prevent chicken from becoming tough?

Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking. Use medium-high heat and cook just until no pink remains.

• Can I swap chicken for another protein?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or beef work great in this stir-fry recipe.

Best Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry delivers Asian-inspired flavors with lean protein and crisp vegetables. Quick weeknight dinner provides balanced nutrition packed with zesty ginger and garlic notes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
• 3 cups broccoli florets

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Thickening Agent:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet or wok at medium-high temperature, preparing for a rapid cooking process.
2. Sear chicken pieces until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes, ensuring no pink remains. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Using the identical pan, quickly sauté minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds.
4. Introduce broccoli florets to the pan, tossing vigorously for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender with vibrant green color.
5. Reunite cooked chicken with sautéed vegetables in the skillet, creating a harmonious blend.
6. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small mixing bowl, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
7. Cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring comprehensive coating and maximum flavor absorption.
8. Optional: Incorporate cornstarch slurry to enhance sauce consistency, gently stirring until mixture reaches desired thickness.
9. Perform final comprehensive stir, guaranteeing even sauce distribution and optimal temperature.
10. Elegantly plate over steamed rice or quinoa, adding optional garnish for visual appeal and added texture.

Notes

• Slice chicken thinly and evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked pieces.
• Use high heat and keep ingredients moving constantly to maintain crisp broccoli texture and prevent burning.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and verify cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat, or include sliced bell peppers for additional color and nutrition boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg