Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce

Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is the kind of weeknight hero that makes you wonder why takeout ever seemed like the faster choice. Tender strips of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy garlic sauce come together in one skillet in under 20 minutes — delivering big, bold flavors with minimal effort.

The chicken stays juicy thanks to a quick sauté, while the broccoli retains its vibrant green crunch. The garlic sauce — a savory-sweet blend with just the right hint of ginger — coats every bite, making it equally at home over a fluffy bowl of rice or tucked into lettuce wraps. No complicated steps, no endless list of ingredients — just simple, fresh, and satisfying.

Perfect for busy nights, this stir-fry gives you that warm, comforting “made-from-scratch” feeling without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)

For the Garlic Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water to make a slurry)

Directions

1. Prep Ingredients
Slice the chicken thinly against the grain for tenderness. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add remaining oil to the same pan. Toss in broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.

4. Add Sauce & Finish
Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in garlic sauce and stir to coat. Bring to a simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 more minutes until sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and broccoli.

5. Serve
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

The Origin of Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a staple in both Chinese-American restaurants and home kitchens. The dish’s roots lie in Cantonese cooking, where fresh vegetables and tender meat are quickly seared in a hot wok to preserve flavor and texture. Adapted for Western tastes, the addition of a slightly sweet garlic sauce made it a favorite for weeknight dinners and takeout menus alike.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Fast & Fresh: From chopping board to dinner table in 20 minutes.

  • Balanced Flavor: Sweet, salty, savory, and aromatic all in one bite.

  • One-Pan Cleanup: Fewer dishes, less hassle.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Slice chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.

  • Don’t overcook broccoli — you want it crisp-tender, not limp.

  • Stir the sauce before adding to keep ingredients well combined.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.

  • Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.

  • Sesame Twist: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Make Ahead: Prep chicken, broccoli, and sauce up to a day in advance; store separately in the fridge.

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

  • Steamed jasmine or brown rice

  • Garlic noodles

  • Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is proof that healthy, homemade dinners don’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With fresh ingredients, a quick cook time, and a flavorful sauce, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to week after week — whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself after a long day.