Zesty Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe for Weeknights

My weekend meal planning always includes this delightful healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry that delivers incredible flavor without compromising nutrition.

Quick cooking techniques combine tender protein with crisp green vegetables in minutes.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions that taste amazing and support wellness goals.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant nutrients, this dish proves eating well can be seriously delicious.

Colorful ingredients dance together in a hot wok, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Simple seasonings unlock maximum potential from each ingredient, making cooking feel like culinary magic.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that nourishes and satisfies.

Why People Love Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

• Simplify Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal using just one pan, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Customize Easily: Swap ingredients or add vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences without compromising the dish's creamy, comforting essence.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Achieve a restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine tender chicken with creamy noodles that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a universally loved meal.

What’s Inside This Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that provides a substantial base for this healthy stir-fry.

• Broccoli: A nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

• Soy Sauce: A savory and umami-rich condiment that enhances the overall flavor of the stir-fry.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the salty soy sauce and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy and smooth sauce consistency.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: A nutty and aromatic oil that provides a distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant ingredients that create a robust and complex flavor profile.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Crisp garnishes that add texture and a fresh finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisk Flavor Bomb Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Mix until smooth and set aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Spices

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Cook until the kitchen fills with incredible fragrant notes.

Step 4: Dance The Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets into the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. The goal is crisp-tender green goodness with slight caramelization.

Step 5: Reunite And Coat

Return chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir continuously to ensure every morsel gets perfectly coated.

Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick coating.

Step 6: Sprinkle And Serve

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced green onions

Serve immediately while piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Helpful Notes for Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

• Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the sweet undertone in the sauce.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake without compromising flavor intensity.
• Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for those wanting an extra kick of heat and spiciness.
• Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, allowing for smooth and quick stir-frying process.

Flavor Options for Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the same cooking technique and flavor profile.
• Spicy Chili Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick that elevates the classic stir-fry with extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor that transforms the traditional Asian-style recipe.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with tofu or add extra lean protein like shrimp or lean beef strips for varied protein options while keeping the core cooking method intact.

How to Plate This Stir Fry Combination

• Zen Bowl Delight: Serve this stir fry over fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a complete, nutrient-packed meal that balances protein and whole grains perfectly.
• Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Ditch the utensils and wrap the chicken and broccoli mixture in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fun handheld experience that's fresh and light.
• Asian-Inspired Noodle Twist: Toss the stir fry with thin rice noodles or zucchini spirals to create a vibrant, slurp-worthy dish that adds extra texture and excitement to the original recipe.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the stir fry into meal prep containers with separate compartments for rice or noodles, making quick and healthy lunches a breeze for busy weekdays.

Best Way to Store This Chicken Stir Fry

• Transfer leftover stir fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Carefully pack the cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
• Warm the stored stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and restore the dish's original moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this stir fry healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious meal packed with lean protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, using minimal oil and including heart-healthy ingredients like sesame oil and ginger.

• Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli works best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain completely to prevent excess water that might make the dish soggy.

• What if I don't have sesame oil?

You can substitute with a small amount of olive oil, though sesame oil provides a distinct nutty flavor that enhances the dish’s authenticity.

• How do I prevent chicken from becoming tough?

Cook chicken on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking; remove it from the pan as soon as it’s fully cooked to maintain tenderness and juiciness.

Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Delicious healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry combines lean protein with crisp vegetables in a quick weeknight meal. Garlic, ginger, and light soy sauce deliver bold Asian-inspired flavors you’ll savor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sesame oil into a smooth mixture.
2. Elevate a skillet to medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and sear chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked through.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining the skillet’s warmth.
4. Infuse the pan with remaining oil, then introduce minced garlic and ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for 30-45 seconds.
5. Toss broccoli florets into the skillet, quickly stirring and tossing for 3-4 minutes until they achieve a vibrant, crisp-tender texture.
6. Reunite the cooked chicken with the sizzling vegetables in the pan.
7. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring thorough coating and allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened glaze.
8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions as a final flourish.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a nutritious and flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Control the heat to prevent overcooking chicken, which can make it tough and dry. Medium-high heat ensures golden browning and juicy meat.
• Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and crunch, cutting them into similar-sized pieces guarantees even cooking.
• Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying moves quickly and requires immediate attention to maintain ingredient quality.
• For gluten-free option, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg