Savory Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe for Dinner Magic

Culinary magic happens when garlic chicken & broccoli stir-fry meets your skillet with vibrant potential.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside tender meat in a quick, satisfying meal.

Fresh ingredients create bold flavor combinations that surprise you.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions for hungry families.

Bright green florets and golden chicken pieces promise a delightful experience.

Fragrant garlic infuses every bite with remarkable depth and excitement.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together in minutes.

Let’s make dinner something extraordinary tonight!

Garlic Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry That Covers All The Cravings

• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this dish delivers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Transform the recipe by swapping chicken for tofu, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Using affordable ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and pantry staples, this recipe provides a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost of dining out.

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Base

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the dish, best with boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and color to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and saltiness, low-sodium version works well.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for sauce, enhances overall flavor.
• Cornstarch: Essential for thickening sauce and creating glossy texture.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor, fresh garlic recommended for best taste.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy undertone, fresh ginger provides more intense flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing chicken's natural taste.
• Sesame Seeds, Sesame Oil: Optional garnish that adds nutty flavor and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking, provides light flavor and prevents sticking.

Sauté Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in diced chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks completely through.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

Using the same skillet, add broccoli florets and a quick splash of water.

Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for a few minutes until it becomes tender but maintains a delightful crunch.

Remove the broccoli and place it next to the chicken.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Blend these ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet.

Pour the vibrant sauce over the ingredients and give everything a good stir.

Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious coating that hugs the chicken and broccoli.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top or drizzle a touch of sesame oil for an extra flavor boost.

Serve this delicious stir-fry over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles.

Stir-Fry Tips For Chicken And Broccoli Balance

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure even browning and crispy exterior.
• Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp to maintain vibrant green color and nutritional value.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve silky sauce consistency.
• Use medium heat to prevent burning garlic and maintain optimal flavor development.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and add a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor and texture complexity.

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry: Storage Essentials

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Revive stir-fry's texture by quickly reheating in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Consume refrigerated stir-fry within 2-3 days for best flavor and texture, as broccoli and chicken can lose their crisp quality when stored longer.

Veggie Matches For Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Boost Umami with Sake Pairing: Select a crisp, dry Japanese sake that complements the garlic and soy sauce flavors, cutting through the dish's richness while enhancing its savory profile.
• Elevate with Riesling Match: Choose a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the stir-fry's salty and garlicky notes, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's intense flavors.
• Contrast with Asian Beer Selection: Grab a light Tsingtao or Asahi beer to cleanse the palate, its crisp carbonation cutting through the sauce's thickness and refreshing your taste buds between bites.
• Accent with Green Tea Finish: Brew a hot sencha or green tea to serve alongside, its subtle grassy notes and slight bitterness perfectly balancing the stir-fry's rich and savory elements.

Quick Flavors for Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Tofu Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out excess moisture before cooking to achieve a similar protein-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Tamari Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the rich umami flavor.
• Spicy Chili Pepper Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a fiery, bold taste profile.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

No, the Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is not inherently spicy. The recipe focuses on garlic and ginger flavors. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water. Fresh broccoli provides a crispier texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces and avoid overcooking. Cook just until the chicken turns golden and reaches 165°F internal temperature. Medium heat helps maintain tenderness.

• What if I don't have cornstarch for the sauce?

You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour, though the sauce might be slightly less glossy. Use equal amounts and whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps in the sauce.

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic chicken & broccoli stir-fry delivers a zesty Asian-inspired dance of flavors that sizzles with aromatic spices and quick-cooked protein. Crisp broccoli and tender chicken mingle in a savory sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) honey
• 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) grated ginger (optional)

Optional Garnish and Flavor:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked through. Season with salt and pepper during the process. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate once done.
2. Use the same skillet to steam broccoli florets with a minimal water splash, maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Remove the broccoli and set aside once it reaches the perfect tenderness.
3. Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.
4. Reunite the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli in the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Gently stir to ensure every morsel is evenly coated, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
5. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds across the top or drizzling a hint of sesame oil. Present the stir-fry piping hot, accompanied by fluffy rice or delicate noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and better caramelization.
• Slice broccoli into similar-sized florets for consistent steaming and to prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain hard.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative that maintains the sauce’s sweetness.
• Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free and lower in sodium.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat and a spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Meal prep by cooking chicken and chopping vegetables in advance to reduce total cooking time and simplify weeknight dinner preparation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg