Chicken Broccoli Recipe (with Video)

Chicken Broccoli Recipe: Ever wondered why chicken and broccoli always seem to make the perfect pair? It’s not just about taste—though the juicy chicken paired with crisp, slightly bitter broccoli is definitely a flavor match made in heaven. This combo is one of the most reliable meals for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re trying to meal prep for the week or whip up a fast weeknight dinner, chicken and broccoli is versatile, filling, and quick to make.

Chicken brings the lean protein that your body needs, while broccoli loads you up with fiber, vitamins, and that satisfying crunch. Plus, this dish is a staple in countless cuisines—Chinese stir-fry, Italian pasta toss, and even creamy casseroles. Its adaptability makes it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike.

Not to mention, it’s also budget-friendly. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a big batch that’ll feed your family or provide leftovers for days. It’s no wonder that chicken and broccoli have become the poster duo of weeknight dinners.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Broccoli

Let’s talk about health for a second. Chicken is a powerhouse of lean protein, which means it helps build muscle, keeps you full longer, and fuels your metabolism. It’s also low in saturated fat, especially if you stick to skinless chicken breast. Meanwhile, broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that punches way above its weight in terms of nutrients.

Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants that support your immune system and digestion. It also contains compounds like sulforaphane that have anti-inflammatory properties. Together, chicken and broccoli offer a nutrient-dense meal with high protein, low carbs, and plenty of fiber.

Trying to lose weight or build muscle? This dish supports both goals. Managing blood sugar or cholesterol? You’re covered. It’s a smart meal that caters to a wide variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed

List of Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli

Let’s keep things simple and clear. Here’s what you need to make a basic chicken broccoli stir-fry that’s packed with flavor and nutrients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

These ingredients are the base. You can double the quantity if you’re cooking for a family or want leftovers. The soy and oyster sauce give it that savory, umami-rich flavor you often find in Asian-style dishes. Garlic adds aroma and zest, while the oil helps cook everything evenly and adds a hint of richness.

If you want to go low-sodium, just reduce or swap out the soy sauce with a low-salt version. This dish is incredibly flexible.

Optional Add-ons to Customize the Recipe

Want to spice things up or add your personal twist? Here are a few ingredients you can toss in without overcomplicating things:

• Red bell pepper strips – Adds color and sweetness.
• Sliced carrots – More crunch and natural sugar.
• Chili flakes or sriracha – For heat.
• Ginger (minced or sliced) – Boosts the flavor and digestion.
• Sesame oil – A few drops at the end for a nutty aroma.
• Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) – If you want a thicker sauce.

You can also serve it over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles, depending on your preference. Each base adds its own texture and twist to the dish.

Tools You’ll Need

Basic Kitchen Tools for Cooking

You don’t need a high-end kitchen setup for this recipe. A few basic tools will do the trick:

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

A wok is ideal for even, high-heat cooking, especially for stir-frying. But a regular skillet or frying pan works just fine.

If you’re into meal prep, having a few airtight containers ready can help store your leftovers easily.

Recommended Utensils for Better Results

While you can get by with the basics, having these items can enhance the process:

• Tongs or chopsticks – For flipping and stirring without mashing the ingredients.
• Garlic press – Saves time when prepping.
• Steam basket – If you want to steam your broccoli before adding it to the stir-fry.
• Rice cooker – If you’re serving with rice, this saves effort.

These aren’t essential, but they can save time and help you get more consistent results—especially if you’re cooking chicken broccoli regularly.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Chicken for Cooking

Here’s where the magic starts. First, make sure your chicken breasts are thawed completely. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them brown better in the pan.

Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized chunks, depending on your preference. The thinner the slices, the faster and more evenly they’ll cook. Pro tip: for cleaner cuts, partially freeze the chicken for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Place the chicken in a bowl, and season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of soy sauce. You can even add a teaspoon of cornstarch to tenderize the meat and lock in moisture—a trick many restaurants use.

Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients. This short marinade makes a huge difference in flavor.

Cleaning and Cutting the Broccoli

Wash your broccoli thoroughly under cold water. You can soak it in a bowl of water with a bit of vinegar to get rid of any hidden dirt or bugs. Once clean, shake off the excess water or pat it dry with a kitchen towel.

Now trim off the large stem and break the broccoli into small florets. Try to keep the florets similar in size so they cook evenly. If the stalk is tender, don’t toss it! You can peel and slice it thinly to add more texture to the dish.

At this point, your chicken is marinating, and your broccoli is ready. Line up your garlic, sauces, and water so everything is within arm’s reach when you start cooking.

Cooking the Chicken Broccoli

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, you’ve got your chicken marinated, broccoli chopped, and ingredients lined up. Now let’s bring it all together in the pan. Follow these steps carefully to get perfectly tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli every time:

1. Heat the pan: Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Let it get hot, but not smoking. You want that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan.
2. Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken sear without stirring for 2–3 minutes to get some golden-brown color. Then flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté garlic: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add broccoli: Toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, then add 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth. Cover the pan with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3–4 minutes. This helps soften the broccoli without overcooking it.
5. Combine and season: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and any other desired seasonings or add-ons. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats the chicken and broccoli.
6. Simmer briefly: Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes. This helps meld the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce. If using a cornstarch slurry, add it now to thicken further.
7. Final touch: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a splash of soy sauce.

And just like that, your dish is ready to serve!

Tips to Enhance the Flavor

Great recipes become even better with a few smart tricks. Here’s how to take your chicken broccoli dish from good to unforgettable:

• Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high temperatures. This keeps the veggies vibrant and the meat juicy.
• Marinate longer if possible: Even an extra 10–15 minutes makes the chicken more flavorful and tender. Overnight in the fridge? Even better.
• Add a sweet element: A dash of honey or brown sugar balances the savory soy sauce and adds a subtle caramel note.
• Include citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime right before serving adds freshness and brightness.
• Top with toasted sesame seeds or green onions: This gives a final burst of flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want it to still have a bit of bite. Mushy broccoli can ruin the texture contrast.
• Let the pan do its work: Give your ingredients time to brown slightly. That bit of caramelization adds depth you can’t replicate with just sauces.

If you’re serving it over rice, consider tossing the cooked rice in a little sesame oil for added aroma and flavor before plating.

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli

Chicken broccoli is versatile enough to pair with almost anything, but here are some classic and creative options to consider:

1. Steamed Rice: You can’t go wrong with jasmine or basmati rice. The fluffy texture and mild flavor soak up the savory sauce perfectly. Brown rice is a great high-fiber alternative.
2. Fried Rice: If you have leftover rice, turn it into a quick egg-fried rice with peas, carrots, and green onions. Serve your chicken broccoli over this for an extra boost of flavor.
3. Noodles: Lo mein, soba, or even spaghetti can be great bases. Just toss the noodles into the pan at the end and stir everything together.
4. Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve it over quinoa or riced cauliflower. These absorb flavors well and are great for meal preps.
5. Asian Slaw or Side Salad: Add a crunchy cabbage slaw with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the warmth of the main dish.
6. Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Want to go all out for dinner? Pair chicken broccoli with some veggie spring rolls or dumplings for an Asian-themed meal.
7. A Simple Egg Drop Soup: Light and easy to make, this soup can be the perfect starter to a chicken broccoli dinner.

Presentation tip: Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top just before serving for that restaurant-style finish.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the best things about chicken broccoli is how well it keeps. It’s ideal for meal preppers or anyone who likes to cook in bulk.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Portion the chicken and broccoli into individual containers with your choice of base (rice, quinoa, etc.).
• Use microwave-safe, airtight containers for easy reheating.
• For best flavor, keep sauces separate and mix them in when reheating if you’re storing for more than two days.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

To keep your broccoli from turning mushy, avoid freezing it after it’s been steamed. You can blanch it instead and combine it with the chicken just before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your chicken broccoli turns out great every time:

1. Overcooking the Chicken: This is a top offender. Overcooked chicken turns rubbery fast. Cook it until it’s just done and still juicy inside.
2. Crowding the Pan: If your chicken or broccoli is piled too high in the skillet, it’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches for better texture and flavor.
3. Not Drying Ingredients: Wet chicken and broccoli can mess with your cooking time and make everything soggy. Pat them dry before cooking.
4. Using Raw Garlic Too Late: Garlic should go in early enough to release its flavor but not so early that it burns.
5. Not Tasting as You Go: Every sauce brand is a bit different. Taste and adjust as needed—maybe a bit more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar.
6. Skipping the Marination: Even 10 minutes makes a difference. It’s worth the wait.
7. Cooking Broccoli Too Long: Nobody wants mushy greens. Stir-fry it until just tender-crisp.

A little attention to these details goes a long way toward making your dish taste restaurant-quality every time.

Healthier Variations of Chicken Broccoli

Trying to stick to a specific diet or just want to make the dish even more nutritious? Here are some healthy spins on the classic chicken broccoli recipe:

1. Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip oyster sauce. Add flavor with ginger, garlic, and citrus zest instead.
2. Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the cornstarch and use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum. Serve it over cauliflower rice.
3. Paleo Version: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. Avoid any processed oils and use avocado oil or ghee.
4. Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same sauces and seasonings. Tofu soaks up flavor beautifully when stir-fried.
5. Add More Veggies: Throw in mushrooms, snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn to increase your fiber and micronutrient intake.
6. Air Fryer Method: You can cook your chicken in the air fryer to reduce oil usage and get that perfect golden crust.
7. Grilled Version: Marinate and grill the chicken instead of pan-frying. Serve it with steamed broccoli and a dipping sauce.

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. These tweaks let you enjoy your favorite dish while meeting your nutritional goals.

Chicken Broccoli for Special Diets

Making It Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, or Low-Carb

Chicken broccoli is naturally adaptable, making it easy to modify for a variety of dietary restrictions or preferences.

Gluten-Free: To keep this dish gluten-free, make sure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce (often labeled as tamari). Also, check the label on oyster sauce or substitute it with coconut aminos or gluten-free hoisin sauce. Always be cautious with store-bought sauces, as gluten can sneak into unexpected places.

Dairy-Free: This recipe doesn’t typically include any dairy, which makes it ideal for lactose-intolerant individuals or those on a dairy-free diet. Just avoid adding butter or creamy elements, and stick to oil-based cooking.

Low-Carb or Keto: To make this dish low-carb:

• Replace regular soy sauce with coconut aminos or a sugar-free soy alternative.
• Skip cornstarch or use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum if you need to thicken the sauce.
• Serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini instead of traditional rice or noodles.

Whole30 or Paleo:

• Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
• Avoid any sweeteners, thickening agents, or processed sauces.
• Stick with whole ingredients like chicken, broccoli, fresh garlic, and spices.

These small adjustments make it possible to enjoy your favorite meal without breaking your eating plan.

FAQs about Chicken Broccoli Recipe

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

2. What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner—go with what you prefer.

3. How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?

Stir-fry it quickly over high heat, and don’t over-steam it. Broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp when done right.

4. Can I meal prep this dish for the week?

Yes! Chicken broccoli holds up well for 4 days in the fridge and can be frozen too. Just reheat gently and add a splash of water to freshen it up.

5. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

No problem. You can skip it or replace it with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of hoisin sauce, fish sauce, or even a pinch of sugar for balance.

Conclusion

There’s a reason chicken and broccoli is a timeless dish—it’s quick, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re trying to impress someone with your cooking skills, feeding a busy family, or just making a quick dinner after work, this dish gets the job done. The beauty lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients and smart techniques, you can whip up something that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot—but healthier and way more satisfying.

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a go-to solution for busy nights, meal prep sessions, or even a lazy weekend lunch. It fits into just about any dietary plan, and you can make it your own with endless add-ins and tweaks. And once you’ve mastered the basic version, you’ll find yourself coming back to it week after week.

So go ahead—grab that skillet, chop some broccoli, and get cooking. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.