Tender pieces of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory garlic sauce come together in this quick and flavorful Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that takes less time than ordering takeout and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, optional
For the Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
Place it in a bowl and toss with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the broccoli and sliced onion to the same skillet.
Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary to help the broccoli steam slightly.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Give the sauce another quick stir, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli.
Toss everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
6. Serve
Remove from the heat and drizzle with a little sesame oil if desired.
Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
Cut the chicken evenly so the pieces cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
Keep the broccoli slightly crisp. It should be tender but still have some bite.
Adjust the sauce to your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Use fresh garlic. Since garlic is one of the main flavors in this recipe, freshly minced garlic makes a noticeable difference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a simple, satisfying meal packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce. It’s quick enough for busy evenings and versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Serve it over fluffy rice for a delicious homemade dinner that the whole family can enjoy.