15 Minute Chicken and Broccoli
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This easy Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a super quick, utterly delicious one-pan dinner that's ready in under 15 minutes. There's no need for takeout; it's a simple recipe with mostly pantry ingredients.
If you love quick and easy Asian inspired meals, also try this easy Korean beef lettuce wraps recipe for a wholesome and light meal!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Key Ingredients: Chicken breast, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, ginger
What I Love About This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This simple one-skillet meal is a longtime favorite in my kitchen. It delivers everything we love in a delicious weeknight dinner: Asian-inspired flavor, quick prep, and minimal cleanup.
It's endlessly versatile-you can swap the protein, add extra vegetables, or adjust the heat to your taste. The sauce is bold and balanced, the chicken stays juicy, and the broccoli keeps its bright green crunch. Best of all, it's faster than takeout and so much more flavorful!
Chicken and Broccoli Ingredients
This Chicken and Broccoli recipe with sauce is simple to cook and ready in minutes. Here's what you'll need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.
Key Stir Fry Ingredients
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and broccoli
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and tender results. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, similar to my Mediterranean Greek chicken skillet recipe.
- Stir Fry Sauce: Ingredients listed below.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition. Cut into uniform florets so they cook evenly.
- Toasted sesame oil: Just a splash at the end enhances the flavor with its nutty, toasted finish.
Key Sauce Ingredients
I've loved this quick sauce for years. It's based on my Quick and Simple Stir Fry Sauce. You will whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor. Use low-sodium if you prefer more control over saltiness.
- Brown sugar or honey: A touch of brown sugar balances the savory flavors of the sauce with a hint of sweetness. You can easily substitute honey if you prefer a more natural option-it adds a slightly floral note that pairs beautifully with the garlic and ginger.
- White vinegar: A splash of vinegar brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness. Rice vinegar is slightly milder and more traditional in stir-fries, while white vinegar offers a sharper tang-either works well, depending on your preference.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: This aromatic duo brings classic stir-fry flavor-freshly grated is best for a bright, bold taste.
- Red pepper flakes: An optional finish to add heat and a bit of kick to the dish.
Variations
- Add a Kick: Stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for additional heat.
- Swap the Protein: Try sliced beef, shrimp, or tofu in place of chicken for a delicious twist.
- More Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, asparagus, or mushrooms for nourishing color and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and saute until browned and mostly cooked, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the stir-fry sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 3: Add the broccoli and another splash of oil if needed, and saute until it's bright green, about 3-4 minutes more.
Step 4: Pour in the stir-fry sauce, toss to coat the chicken and broccoli, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil.
Serving Ideas
- Add a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a takeout-style dinner at home.
- Serve this chicken and broccoli stir-fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or wrapped in butter lettuce leaves.
Recipe FAQs
Chicken and broccoli is a quick and easy stir-fry dish made with sliced chicken breast, broccoli florets, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It's often served over rice for a satisfying meal.
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in chicken and broccoli recipes. Just thaw and pat dry before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture.
This chicken and broccoli recipe uses a simple stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and a touch of cornstarch to thicken.
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15 Minute Chicken and Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Stir Fry Sauce recipe below
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper; and cook until browned and most cooked; about 5 minutes.
- Make the Stir-Fry Sauce while the chicken is cooking -- whisk the ingredients together and set aside.
- Once the chicken is browned, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet along with the broccoli. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green. Stir in the sauce and cook for another minute, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
- Serve over steamed grains, garnished with green onions. Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
- Vegetables: While broccoli is my favorite vegetable in this dish, it's easy to change it up and use your favorites, like bell peppers, green beans, carrots, asparagus, or a combination of favorites. Even a package of frozen stir-fry vegetables works equally well.
- Serving: This all-in-one meal is simple to enjoy as is or serve with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite grain garnished with green onions.
- Storing: The dish can be refrigerated in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Love it! My family will eat any day of the week! Not to mention that it is incredibly easy to make. Thanks for the great recipe 😉
You made my day! Thank you, Donna, for trying the recipe and letting me know how it worked for you. This chicken recipe is definitely a go-to for me, especially on busy days!
Hi, what if I hate soy sauce? How can I substitute?
I've not tried these substitutions, but from a flavor profile, both Worcestershire or fish sauce have a strong umami flavor, although I would use them very sparingly. Tamari is similar with a less salty flavor. Other substitution ideas would be teriyaki sauce (which might be my favorite swap), Ponzu, or even a mushroom sauce would be delicious too.
This sounds delicious! Can this be frozen at all? Live alone and don't always fancy food multiple days running x
Hi Steph! I don't like leftover for days running either! Yes, you can freeze this chicken and broccoli recipe. Let it cool completely before storing an in freezer airtight container. To reheat, it's best to thaw in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Great recipe 👌 will definitely make it again 😋.
Hi Tracey! Thank you so much for trying the recipe-- I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Great recipe thank you
Thank you for trying the recipe, Donna!
Just made this today and what a great recipe! I love Asian food! Even my young children enjoyed it and wanted more. 🙂
Hi Becky! I'm so glad you and the family enjoyed it!
Can you leave out the white vinegar ?
Hi Lisa, you can definitely leave out the vinegar if you prefer.
Amazing!!! Loved it the two times I made it so far in a month. Lol…delicious!!
Yay! Thank you so much for trying it, Christine, and sharing how you liked it!
Great recipe 👌 😋 Easy AND delicious...my favorite kind. No special or hard to find ingredients to buy...especially if you have the sesame oil in your pantry stock. I did use frozen broccoli florets...just don't cook it too long and it worked perfectly in the recipe.
Hi Marsha! I'm so happy you loved this recipe! It's so easy for quick meals and am thrilled you enjoyed it. I often use frozen broccoli florets too.
Would be nice to know the carb count for this recipe. I served it over chickapea pasta. Stir fry is delicious but probably would be better over rice.