Take your taste buds on a delightful journey with this quick and easy Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry! Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this dish is the perfect choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delicious honey garlic sauce makes this dish a favorite that the whole family will enjoy. You can even customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile and foolproof recipe.
This stir-fry also works wonderfully as a meal prep option, allowing you to prepare a few portions in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. It’s a great way to keep your meals balanced, with plenty of protein and vegetables to keep you energized. The honey garlic sauce is simple to make but packs a punch, giving the dish an irresistible balance of sweetness, umami, and slight acidity.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup snap peas (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring from time to time, until golden brown and cooked through. Take the chicken from the skillet then put it aside. To enhance the flavor even further, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, mushrooms, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Make sure the broccoli retains some crunch for the best texture. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The key to a good stir-fry is to cook the vegetables quickly over high heat to keep them vibrant and crisp.
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Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce (if using). Add the sauce to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The oyster sauce adds an extra layer of umami that makes the dish even more delicious.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and stir to combine. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly to avoid clumping and ensure that everything is well coated. If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve this stir-fry with cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb alternative. The bright green of the broccoli and the colorful bell peppers make for a beautiful presentation, so be sure to serve it up in a nice dish!
Notes & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until crispy. This makes a satisfying plant-based alternative that still works well with the sauce. You can also add tempeh or seitan for a different vegetarian protein source.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, shredded carrots, or bok choy for more texture and flavor. The more vegetables, the better! This stir-fry is highly adaptable, and you can add whatever veggies you have on hand.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use a low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the honey slightly if you want to keep this dish on the lighter side. You can also substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce if you want an even lower sodium option.
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick. You could also add sliced jalapeños to the vegetables while stir-frying for extra heat.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in a handful of cashews or peanuts for a crunchy, nutty element that complements the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce. The nuts add a great contrast in texture and make the dish even more satisfying.
- Ginger Boost: If you love the taste of ginger, feel free to add extra grated ginger to the sauce for an even stronger flavor. Ginger pairs wonderfully with honey and garlic, giving the dish a nice kick.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g per serving
- Fat: 12g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 24g per serving
- Fiber: 4g per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead, but for the best flavor, stir-fry everything together just before serving. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Stir-frying just before serving ensures that the vegetables stay crisp and the flavors remain vibrant. - Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water in the stir-fry. Frozen broccoli can be a great time-saver, but it may be a bit softer in texture compared to fresh broccoli. - How do I store leftovers? Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for two to three days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until thoroughly warmed. To retain the best texture, avoid overcooking the broccoli when reheating.
- What can I serve with this stir-fry?
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with lo mein or rice noodles. Another great side option is a simple cucumber salad or an Asian slaw to add a refreshing contrast to the warm stir-fry. -
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! You can use shrimp, beef strips, or even thinly sliced pork in place of the chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through. Shrimp cooks quickly and only needs about 2-3 minutes per side, while beef or pork should be sliced thinly and cooked until just tender.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure that any other ingredients, such as oyster sauce, are also labeled gluten-free if you are sensitive or allergic to gluten. - How can I make the dish more filling?
You can add additional proteins or grains to make the dish more filling. Adding cooked quinoa or brown rice directly into the stir-fry gives it extra bulk, making it a more complete meal. Alternatively, you could add edamame for an extra boost of plant-based protein. -
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweetness of the honey and the mild flavor of the sauce make this dish appealing to kids. If your kids prefer milder flavors, you can leave out the ginger or reduce the amount of garlic. Adding some extra bell peppers in different colors can also make the dish visually appealing to younger eaters.
- How can I add more flavor?
To add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken before cooking. You could also add a splash of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an added umami boost. Topping the stir-fry with fresh cilantro or basil right before serving adds a layer of fresh herbaceousness that can really elevate the dish. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers for meal prep. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or wok so that everything cooks evenly. You may also need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
With this Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry, you’ll get a delicious, healthy meal that comes together in no time. The tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful honey garlic sauce will make this a dish you turn to again and again. Whether you enjoy it over fluffy white rice, savory noodles, or on its own, it’s sure to leave you satisfied and full of energy. Customize it to your liking with your favorite veggies or proteins, and enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.