Introduction

Some dinners are quick. Some dinners are healthy. And some dinners are absolutely bursting with flavor. This one? It’s all three.
Chicken and broccoli stir-fry with garlic sauce is one of those recipes I keep in constant rotation. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and so simple that you can whip it up on a busy weeknight without sacrificing taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce because it’s the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. It’s one of those recipes that feels just as good to cook as it does to eat.

• Healthy but satisfying – the crisp-tender broccoli paired with lean chicken makes this a wholesome meal without sacrificing taste.
• The garlic sauce is everything – savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami, it coats every piece of chicken and broccoli so you get bold flavor in every bite.
• Quick and easy – ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect with rice or noodles – it transforms into a complete, filling meal that the whole family enjoys.
• Customizable – I can throw in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas depending on what I have, and it always works beautifully.

It’s one of those recipes that makes me feel like I’ve made takeout at home—but fresher, healthier, and even more flavorful. That’s why I keep coming back to it again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is one of those dishes that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and nourishing. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a bold, garlicky sauce that ties everything together.

Here’s why it’s worth making:

• Fast and fuss-free – ready in 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Big flavor, simple ingredients – the garlic sauce brings savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed depth without requiring hard-to-find items.
• Wholesome and balanced – lean protein and nutrient-rich broccoli create a satisfying meal that’s also good for you.
• Versatile – pair it with rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete meal.
• Better than takeout – you get all the flavor of your favorite Chinese restaurant stir-fry but fresher, lighter, and customizable at home.

This dish is a must-try because it delivers everything we want in a dinner: quick, healthy, flavorful, and family-friendly. Once you taste that garlicky sauce coating the tender chicken and broccoli, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~310 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Marinate Chicken:
   In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make Garlic Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Cook Vegetables:
   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli (and carrot if using) and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Chicken:
   In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Add chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Add Garlic & Sauce:
   Push chicken to the side, add garlic (and ginger if using) and sauté for 30 seconds. Return vegetables to the pan. Pour in garlic sauce, stirring until it thickens and coats chicken and broccoli (about 1–2 minutes).
6. Serve:
   Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Slice chicken → marinate with soy sauce + cornstarch.
2. Whisk together sauce ingredients.
3. Stir-fry broccoli (and carrots) until bright green.
4. Stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
5. Add garlic, then sauce → stir until thickened.
6. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

How to Serve

Serve this stir-fry over freshly steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flair.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Slice chicken thinly so it cooks evenly and quickly.
• For extra flavor, toast sesame seeds and sprinkle on top before serving.
• Don’t overcook broccoli—keeping it slightly crisp gives the dish texture and color.
• Double the sauce if you like extra for drizzling over rice.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the garlic sauce.
• Beef & Broccoli: Replace chicken with thinly sliced flank steak.
• Vegetarian: Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for the vegetables (they lose texture), but you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Sharp knife for thin slicing
• Small mixing bowls for marinade and sauce

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes—just thaw and pat dry before stir-frying to avoid extra water in the pan.

Q: Can I skip oyster sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or simply add more soy sauce, though flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I keep chicken tender?
Marinating with cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking helps lock in moisture (a technique called velveting).

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce is the kind of meal that proves weeknight cooking can be quick, healthy, and restaurant-quality. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, this dish will become a go-to in your dinner lineup.