Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Fresh & Zesty Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

My kitchen adventures with healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry always spark excitement for fast, nutritious meals.

Quick protein-packed combinations make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender chicken pieces, creating balanced flavors in minutes.

Lean protein meets vibrant green florets for a seriously satisfying plate.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques help anyone master this classic Asian-inspired dish.

Spices and simple seasonings bring incredible depth without complicated steps.

You can whip up this delightful meal faster than ordering takeout – let’s cook something amazing together!

Why Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Works

Why Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry Works
  • Master Simple Asian-Inspired Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal ingredients, perfect for home cooks wanting to explore global flavors without stress.
  • Customize Your Meal Easily: Adaptable dish allows swapping vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra protein to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Boost Weeknight Dinner Excitement: One-pan meal transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive and tastes delicious, making family meals more enjoyable and interesting.

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the stir-fry and adds nutritional value.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: Crunchy green vegetable that brings a fresh texture and important nutrients to the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and authentic Asian-inspired flavor to the stir-fry.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Honey, Chicken Broth: Combination of ingredients that creates a savory and slightly sweet sauce for coating the chicken and broccoli.
Binding Agents:
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the stir-fry.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables, providing a healthy cooking medium.
Finishing Touches:
  • Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Ingredients that add a nutty flavor, garnish, and final layer of taste to the dish.

How to Cook Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

How to Cook Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Sear Chicken To Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, creating a delicious caramelized crust.

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

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil.

Toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly grated ginger

Sauté these ingredients for about 30 seconds, releasing their intense, fragrant essence.

Step 3: Crisp Up Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

The goal is to achieve a vibrant green color with a tender-crisp texture that maintains a satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Cornstarch
  • Chicken broth
  • Sesame oil

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine And Finish Cooking

Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli.

Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and creates a glossy, appetizing coating.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top.

Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight your taste buds.

Tips for Tender Chicken in Stir Fry

  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in juicy goodness.
  • Stir-fry broccoli quickly on high heat to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender bite, avoiding mushy vegetables.
  • Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and broccoli.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, ensuring you marinate the protein beforehand for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Chop all ingredients before starting to cook, allowing for quick and seamless stir-frying without interrupting the cooking process.

Flavor Twists for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating beforehand for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets for a different nutrient profile and reduced carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free for celiac-safe preparation.
  • Keto-Adapted Version: Swap honey with monk fruit sweetener, increase healthy fat content by adding extra sesame oil, and reduce cornstarch quantity to maintain low-carb macronutrient balance.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

  • Protein Power Plate: Pair this stir-fry with brown rice or quinoa to boost protein and create a complete, nutritious meal that keeps you full longer.
  • Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve in a wide, shallow bowl with chopsticks on the side, sprinkle extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a professional, appetizing look.
  • Veggie Boost: Add extra colorful vegetables like red bell peppers or carrots to increase nutrition and make the dish more visually appealing and satisfying.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, maintaining the dish's fresh flavors and texture.

How to Keep Chicken Stir Fry Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe good for weight loss?

Yes, it’s low in calories and high in protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pan to maintain the stir-fry’s crisp texture.

  • How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or chopped chili peppers during the cooking process to increase heat levels according to your preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

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

Description

Sizzling Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry delivers a quick, nutritious meal packed with lean protein and crisp vegetables. Savory ginger and garlic notes blend perfectly, creating a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.
  2. Reduce pan heat, add fresh olive oil, then quickly sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Introduce broccoli florets to the pan, tossing vigorously for 3-4 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color.
  4. Whisk together sauce components – soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sesame oil – creating a smooth, glossy liquid.
  5. Reintroduce seared chicken to the pan, pour prepared sauce over ingredients, and gently stir to coat evenly.
  6. Simmer mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and caramelize, coating chicken and broccoli with rich, glossy finish.
  7. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions across the dish for added texture and fresh flavor profile.
  8. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring optimal taste and temperature.

Notes

  • Use a wok or large skillet for even heat distribution and optimal stir-frying results.
  • Cut chicken and broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
  • Marinate chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
  • For a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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