Quick & Delicious Chicken and Broccoli Recipe: A 30-Minute Family Favorite

Looking for a dinner savior tonight? This chicken and broccoli recipe is about to rescue your evening! After countless nights of wondering what to cook, I’ve perfected this easy stir-fry that delivers massive flavor with minimal effort.

Combining juicy chicken and crisp broccoli coated in a sweet-savory sauce creates a meal with everyone at the table asking for seconds.

When time is tight, but you still want to serve something wholesome, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between being quick and satisfying.

I created this on a hectic Tuesday when the kids had sports practice, work deadlines loomed, and takeout was calling my name. Instead, I threw this together and haven’t looked back since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for those “I forgot to plan dinner” evenings
• Uses essential ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Healthier and cheaper than ordering Chinese takeout
• Versatile recipe that welcomes substitutions based on what’s in your fridge
• Creates minimal dishes (just one pan for the primary cooking!)
• Provides balanced nutrition with lean protein and green vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp. finely grated peeled ginger
• 2 tsp. Toasted sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

• 1 Tbsp. neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2″ pieces
• 2 medium heads of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• Cooked brown or white rice and toasted sesame seeds, for serving

Let’s Make This Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry!

1. Prep your sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and sesame oil until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce is the secret weapon that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal! The cornstarch works magic to create that thick, glossy sauce that clings to every bite.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat your neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes (this helps create a nice golden crust). Then, stir occasionally until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
3. Cook the broccoli: Using the same skillet (hello, fewer dishes!), reduce heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli and pour in your prepared sauce mixture. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam until bright green and crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine everything: Uncover and return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the chicken and broccoli, about 1-2 minutes more. The transformation happens right before you as the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
5. Serve and enjoy: Divide rice among plates or bowls, spoon the stir-fry over the rice, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Dinner is served!

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli

• Prep before cooking: Chop everything and mix your sauce before turning on the heat. This easy stir-fry moves quickly once you start cooking, and you won’t have time to hunt for ingredients with food already in the pan!
• Don’t overcrowd your pan: If you have a smaller skillet, cook the chicken in batches. Crowded chicken steams rather than browns, and those tasty golden bits make all the difference in flavor.
• Keep your broccoli bright: For perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, don’t overcook it. When you bite into it, it should be bright green with just a bit of resistance. Nobody likes mushy broccoli!
• Make it your own: This chicken stir-fry is incredibly forgiving. No fresh ginger? Use 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger instead. Need to stretch the meal? Add an extra head of broccoli or throw in other veggies from your fridge.
• The right cut matters: Slice your chicken pieces uniformly so they cook at the same rate. For the broccoli, cut the florets into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

A Dinner That Saved The Day

Last month, I’d completely lost track of time working from home when I suddenly realized my in-laws would arrive for dinner in 40 minutes, and I had nothing planned! I frantically checked the fridge: chicken, broccoli, and some basics. This stir-fry came together so quickly that the house smelled amazing when they arrived, and I looked like I’d been cooking all afternoon. My mother-in-law even asked for the recipe, which I consider the highest form of cooking praise! Now, it’s my go-to when I need a reliable win at the dinner table.

What Else Can I Add to My Chicken and Broccoli?

This easy stir-fry recipe welcomes creativity! Try these delicious add-ins:

• Sliced carrots or red bell peppers for color and sweetness
• Snow peas or sugar snap peas for crunch
• Water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for texture
• Mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost
• Cashews or peanuts for protein and crunch
• Pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory contrast
• Red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like heat

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and it’s never been the same twice. That’s the beauty of a good stir-fry it adapts to what you have on hand! Check out more family-favorite recipes for other flexible meal ideas your household will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chicken and broccoli sauce made of?

The sauce in this recipe combines chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, thickened with cornstarch. This creates a perfectly balanced sweet-savory flavor with a restaurant-style consistency. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1-2 tablespoons. For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for the soy sauce.

Is eating just chicken and broccoli healthy?

Yes! This chicken and broccoli recipe offers an excellent balance of nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance, while the broccoli delivers fiber, vitamins C and K, folate, and powerful antioxidants. By making it at home, you control the sodium, sugar, and oil, making it much healthier than takeout versions. For an even more nutritious meal, serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice.

How do you bake chicken and broccoli?

To transform this into a comforting baked dish:

1. Prepare the chicken and broccoli as directed, but slightly undercook both
2. Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish
3. Top with 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work beautifully)
4. Optional: Mix in 2 cups cooked rice or pasta before baking
5. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is golden

This variation is perfect for Sunday meal prep—make a double batch and enjoy easy reheating throughout the week!

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. There is no need to thaw it first—just add it directly to the pan during step 3. You might need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time, but otherwise, follow the recipe as written. The sauce might be slightly thinner due to the extra moisture from the frozen broccoli, so you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the sauce if needed.

How long do leftovers last?

This chicken and broccoli stir-fry makes fantastic leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making day-two lunch something to look forward to. When reheating, add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the broccoli suffers after thawing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

For the best leftovers experience:

• Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through
• Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much
• For lunch on the go, pack the stir-fry and rice separately, as the rice can absorb too much sauce

The next time you’re staring at the clock wondering what to make for dinner, remember this chicken and broccoli recipe waiting in your back pocket. It’s saved me from the takeout temptation more times than I can count! With simple ingredients and big flavor, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

Looking for more chicken inspiration? You might enjoy these Chicken recipes or check out this alternative Delish version to compare techniques.

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