This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a fast, healthy weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli and mushrooms, and a simple homemade sauce create a balanced, family-friendly dish you’ll cook again and again.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry – At a Glance
PREP: 15 min | COOK: 15 min | TOTAL: 30 min | SERVES: 4 | DIFFICULTY: Easy
INGREDIENTS: chicken breast, mushrooms, broccoli, onion, ginger, garlic, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), chicken stock, honey, cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
DIET: high-protein, low-carb, dairy-free, grain-free, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly
MACROS: Protein 30g Carbs 18g Fat 11g Fiber 3g | CALORIES: 282kcal
I make stir fries often because they’re fast, colorful, and satisfying without being complicated. This chicken and broccoli version is a staple in my rotation — the sauce brings everything together and even picky eaters tend to finish their plates. It’s reliable for weeknights but still feels special at the table.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are the main ingredients that make this stir fry shine:
- Chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking protein. Swap chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Broccoli: Bright and crisp when stir-fried; it adds color and nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Earthy flavor and extra heartiness.
- Garlic & fresh ginger: Essential aromatics that give the dish its classic stir-fry flavor.
- Simple sauce: A mix of soy sauce, honey, chicken broth and cornstarch that balances savory and sweet and thickens nicely.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list with measurements.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Make the sauce: Whisk sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Sear chicken in 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Let it brown undisturbed for about a minute, then flip and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining oil, then stir-fry broccoli, onion and mushrooms about 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Reduce heat to medium-low if needed.
- Add the sauce: Stir the sauce and pour over the vegetables. Simmer 2–3 minutes until it thickens; add a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
- Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, toss for 30 seconds to heat through, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve over rice or your preferred base.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Prep everything first. Have vegetables chopped, sauce mixed, and chicken ready before you heat the pan — stir fries move quickly.
- Let the chicken sear. Allow the pieces to brown without stirring for the first minute to develop a flavorful crust.
- Keep veggies crisp-tender. If the broccoli needs more cooking, add a splash of water and cover for 30 seconds to steam it without overcooking.
- Make extra sauce. Doubling the sauce is handy if you like more to drizzle over rice.
- Use fresh aromatics. Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable difference in flavor.
💡 I usually keep the vegetables slightly crisp — they stay more vibrant and my kids prefer them that way.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs beautifully with jasmine or steamed rice and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Other serving ideas:
- Steamed or jasmine rice: Classic choice to soak up the sauce.
- Cauliflower rice or quinoa: Low-carb or gluten-free alternatives.
- Noodles: Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a takeout-style meal.
- Simple side salad: A mixed green or cucumber salad adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Make Ahead And Storing Tips
- Make ahead: Chop vegetables and chicken and whisk the sauce up to a day in advance for faster assembly.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes
If you liked this recipe, try other simple, family-friendly chicken dinners from the same collection.
Main Dishes
Honey Garlic Chicken
Main Dishes
Chicken Stroganoff
Main Dishes
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
Main Dishes
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
If you tried this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment to let me know how it went. Thanks for visiting!
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless & skinless, cut into small chunks
- 2 Tablespoons extra light olive oil, divided
- 12 oz broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- ½ lb baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- ½ large yellow onion, sliced into strips
- sesame seeds, for garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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Make the sauce. Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
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Cook the chicken. Stir-fry chicken in 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sear without stirring for 1 minute, then turn and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and cover loosely.
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Cook the veggies. Add 1 Tbsp oil to the skillet, then broccoli, onion and mushrooms. Stir-fry 3 minutes until crisp-tender, then lower heat to medium-low.
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Add the sauce. Stir the sauce and pour over the vegetables. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened; thin with water if needed.
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Finish. Return the chicken, toss briefly to heat through, adjust seasoning if desired, and serve over rice.
Notes
- Prep before you cook. Have everything ready — stir fries move fast.
- Let the chicken sear. A brief undisturbed sear adds flavor.
- Bright, crisp veggies. Add a splash of water and cover 30 seconds if needed to steam broccoli gently.
- Make extra sauce. Doubling the sauce gives extra drizzle for rice.
- Fresh aromatics matter. Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the dish.
💡 I usually keep the veggies a bit crisp — they look better and my kids prefer them that way.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.