Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the sizzling aroma of garlic and ginger hitting a hot skillet. Add juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli to the mix, and you’ve got a healthy weeknight dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout—but even better.

this Recipe

I first created this stir fry on a whim, trying to clean out the fridge on a busy Wednesday night. It turned out so well that now it’s part of our regular rotation—quick, colorful, and loaded with flavor, all while staying light and nutritious.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or just need something fast and satisfying after a long day, this chicken and broccoli stir fry checks all the boxes. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner. This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is simple, speedy, and absolutely delicious.

One of the biggest reasons you'll love this dish is how fast it comes together. From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes—faster than delivery and way more nourishing.

It’s a budget-friendly way to feed the whole family. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh chicken and broccoli, you can whip up a satisfying dinner without blowing your grocery budget.

This recipe is also packed with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies, making it ideal for anyone trying to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. The light, savory sauce is naturally low in sugar and uses minimal oil.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Want to toss in carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas? Go for it. Prefer tofu or shrimp? It’s easy to adapt this stir fry to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

So whether you're cooking for picky eaters or just looking to keep dinner interesting and healthy, this stir fry has you covered.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its fresh, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes flavor and nutrition, making this stir fry a weeknight winner.

Chicken breast is the star of this stir fry. Lean, protein-packed, and quick to cook, it absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce while staying tender. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well and offer a slightly richer taste.

Broccoli florets bring color, crunch, and a big nutritional boost. I love using fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

The stir fry sauce is a savory blend of low-sodium soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar for brightness. A small spoonful of honey balances the flavors without making it overly sweet. You’ll also stir in a bit of cornstarch slurry to thicken everything into a glossy glaze.

To finish the dish, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds that unmistakable stir fry aroma and depth. It’s optional but highly recommended for that authentic flavor.

As for tools, a large skillet or wok is ideal for this recipe. If you have a nonstick pan, it’ll help you use less oil and still get a great sear on your chicken.

How to Make This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Making this stir fry is as easy as chopping your ingredients and firing up your pan. Here’s how it all comes together.

Start by prepping your chicken. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts thinly against the grain for the most tender bites. Lightly toss them in a bit of cornstarch and soy sauce—this helps the meat brown better and stay juicy.

While your chicken marinates briefly, bring a pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch your broccoli florets for about 2 minutes. This softens them just enough while preserving their vibrant green color. Drain and set aside.

Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer—let it sear without moving for 2-3 minutes, then stir-fry until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add a touch more oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, return the broccoli and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together.

Pour in your stir fry sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens and glazes the chicken and veggies. A final drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions is the perfect finishing touch.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 25 minutes—including prep. It’s perfect for a fast, satisfying dinner that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition or flavor.

Storage Options

This chicken and broccoli stir fry stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors continue to develop over time.

If you want to freeze it, let the stir fry cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly customizable, so feel free to make it your own depending on what you have in the fridge.

If you're not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the cook time to match your protein.

Swap out the broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or carrots. Stir fries are the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meal, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if that’s what you have.

Want to add some heat? Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

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