Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

This easy chicken and broccoli stir fry is a quick, healthy dinner packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, ginger, honey, and soy sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over rice or noodles for a balanced, high-protein meal that’s better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 12 oz broccoli florets
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 2/3 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium Tamari (or reduced-sodium soy sauce if not gluten-free)
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste (Gourmet Gardens recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, adjust to taste

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Directions

1. Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
   In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with half the chicken broth until smooth. Add the remaining broth, Tamari, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes. Whisk again until fully combined. You can prepare this sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
   Fill a medium pot with a couple of inches of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, add the broccoli, and cover. Reduce heat to low and steam until tender, 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat sesame oil in a large wok or 12-inch skillet over high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes. Stir fry for another 2–3 minutes until almost cooked through.
4. Add the Sauce:
   Lower the heat slightly. Stir the prepared sauce to redistribute the cornstarch, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Serve:
   Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice, topped with the broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

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Tips

• Ensure the wok or skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a proper sear.
• Do not over-steam the broccoli; it should remain bright green and crisp-tender.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon of water or broth to thin it out.
• Prepare all ingredients in advance—stir-frying is a quick process once the pan is hot.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
• Sauce Flavor: Replace honey with brown sugar for a deeper sweetness, or add a dash of sesame seeds for nutty flavor.
• Spice Level: Increase red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil for extra heat.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw and pat dry before steaming or adding directly to the pan for the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free Tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make it ahead?
You can cook the sauce and steam the broccoli ahead of time. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked chicken before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this stir fry over steamed jasmine or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Pair with spring rolls, miso soup, or a simple Asian cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and broccoli stir fry combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, savory sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. It’s quick, nutrient-rich, and ideal for weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and restaurant-quality flavor, it delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s both convenient and versatile.