If you’re anything like me, you crave meals that come together fast but still blow your taste buds away. This Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe does exactly that. It’s got juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a sweet-savory sauce that literally sings. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight but you still want something satisfying and homemade. Let me walk you through how to nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy Prep and Cooking: The chicken sears quickly, and the sauce comes together fast, making dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Balanced Flavors: Honey and brown sugar add sweetness that perfectly complements the soy sauce’s saltiness and garlic’s punch.
Versatile Ingredients: You can swap vegetables or protein easily, adapting to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Simple Technique: Drying the chicken before searing gives you that golden crust, elevating the texture and flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part in creating the perfect harmony for this Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. From the crunchy veggies to the cornstarch-thickened sauce, it all blends into a dish that feels both familiar and special. Here’s why I choose what I do…

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Peanut oil: Its high smoke point is perfect for getting that quick, hot sear on the chicken without burning.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and cooks quickly, making weeknight dinner fast and healthy.
Salt and white pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor without overwhelming the sauce.
Broccoli florets: Offers crunch and nutrition, and cooks quickly so it stays crisp-tender.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
Bell pepper: Bright color and sweetness brighten the dish visually and in flavor.
Cornstarch: Key for that silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken and veggies.
Chicken broth: Creates a savory base for the sauce, making it more than just soy sauce and sugar.
Soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness—the backbone of stir fry flavor.
Brown sugar and honey: Together, they add a rich, nuanced sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
Garlic: Garlic’s punch wakes up every ingredient and smells irresistible while cooking.
Cooked rice: The perfect vehicle to soak up the sauce and make this meal hearty.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is how much room there is to tweak it based on your taste or whatever you have in the fridge. I love mixing in extra veggies or swapping chicken for something else occasionally.

Veggie Boost: I often throw in julienned carrots or water chestnuts for extra crunch and color, which makes it feel like a special treat.
Protein Swap: Ground beef works surprisingly well for a thicker, heartier version—I’ve tried both and enjoy switching it up.
Heat It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or fresh ginger if you want a little spicy kick.
Sodium Control: Go low sodium on soy sauce and broth if you’re watching salt intake—but keep the balance by adding a pinch of sugar.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sauce and Chicken

First, I combine the cornstarch with cold water in a small container and shake it up so it’s smooth and ready for thickening later. Then I mix the rest of the sauce ingredients—chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and minced garlic—in a bowl and set it aside. For the chicken, patting the pieces dry and seasoning with salt and white pepper makes a big difference; it helps the chicken brown beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—a telltale sign it’s hot enough. Add the chicken pieces and resist the urge to stir them immediately; leaving them undisturbed for about 3 minutes helps develop that mouthwatering golden crust. Then I rotate the pieces so all sides get that lovely color and cook through, which takes another 2-3 minutes. Once done, I remove the chicken to a plate to keep it warm.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

After reducing the heat to medium, I add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli and onions. Stirring continuously for about 3 minutes softens them just enough while keeping that satisfying crunch. Next, I add the bell pepper slices and cook for another minute or two—they should be tender but still vibrant and crisp.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Thicken

I pour in the mixed sauce and bring it to a gentle boil, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors. Then I give the cornstarch mixture a quick shake (it tends to settle) and slowly stir it into the bubbling sauce. The sauce thickens pretty quickly, and I keep an eye on it so it’s silky without getting gluey. Once it reaches the perfect consistency, I reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Finally, I fold the chicken back into the pan to reheat for a minute or two, letting those flavors mingle. Serving this over a bed of fluffy, perfectly cooked rice really makes it a complete meal that’s both comforting and fresh.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Moisture on the chicken creates steam, preventing that coveted golden sear—pat it dry well!
Use a Hot Pan: The oil should shimmer before adding chicken; this helps lock in juices and prevents sticking.
Cornstarch Mix Needs Shaking: Always shake your cornstarch slurry before adding—otherwise, lumps can sneak into your sauce.
Avoid Overcooking Veggies: Toss quickly and cook just until tender-crisp for that fresh, lively bite.

How to Serve Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this stir fry with roughly chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty note and a bit of crunch, while a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sliced almonds gives it an irresistible texture contrast. If I’m feeling a little fancy, crunchy chow mein noodles on top elevate it to restaurant-quality presentation at home.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce effortlessly. For a lighter side, I like serving simple stir-fried greens or a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of chili flakes. If you’re after carbs, try it with fried rice or even noodles for a twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I serve the stir fry family-style in the skillet it was cooked in—it’s cozy and cuts down on cleanup. On special occasions, I like scooping it into individual bowls and garnishing each with finely chopped herbs, a wedge of lime, or a drizzle of chili oil for some zing. You can even serve it atop a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still looks gorgeous on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce stays nice and thick, and the chicken remains tender. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to keep things fresh longer.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes like a charm! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I find that freezing slightly softens the broccoli, so if you plan to freeze, consider slightly under-cooking the veggies when you first make it.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I usually reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. This helps restore that fresh just-cooked feel. Microwaving works fine too, but slow reheating on the stove keeps the textures better.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve often used frozen broccoli when fresh wasn’t available. Just make sure you thaw and pat it dry really well to avoid extra moisture that can make the stir fry soggy.
How do I get the chicken crispy rather than steamed?

Dry the chicken pieces thoroughly before cooking, and make sure your pan and oil are hot before adding them. Also, don’t stir them too soon; letting chicken sit undisturbed helps it brown and get that delicious crust.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Definitely! Ground beef is a fantastic swap that I personally enjoy. You can also try tofu or shrimp to keep things interesting. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What rice should I serve with this stir fry?

I usually go with long grain white rice like jasmine or basmati for the perfect fluffy texture. But brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles also pair well, depending on your dietary needs or mood.
How do I make the sauce thicker without lumps?

Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, shaking it well before adding to the hot sauce. Adding it slowly while stirring keeps lumps from forming and gives you that glossy, smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become my go-to for busy nights when I want a flavorful, satisfying meal without fuss. It’s approachable for cooks of any skill level and versatile enough to swing with whatever you have in the pantry. Trust me when I say once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite quick dinners too—easy to make, delightful to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser.