Few dishes capture the beauty of quick, wholesome, and flavor-packed cooking like Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sauce. This recipe is a staple of Asian-inspired weeknight meals and is beloved for its simplicity and bold flavors. Juicy strips of chicken breast are stir-fried to perfection with crisp-tender broccoli, then coated in a glossy, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite.

The result? A restaurant-quality dish that can be made in under 30 minutes, right in your own kitchen. What makes this dish so satisfying is the balance of flavors and textures—the savory soy-based sauce, the hint of sweetness, the aromatic garlic, and the tender chicken paired with vibrant broccoli.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it checks all the boxes:

• Fast & Easy: It’s done in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy but Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich broccoli, it’s a wholesome dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Full of Flavor: The garlic sauce is rich, savory, and just slightly sweet, coating every piece of chicken and broccoli with perfection.
• Better than Takeout: You control the ingredients, making it fresher, less greasy, and even customizable to your taste.

For me, it’s that irresistible garlic sauce that seals the deal. It’s bold, aromatic, and ties everything together in a way that makes me crave it again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is one you absolutely need in your recipe collection because:

• It’s universally loved—even picky eaters enjoy it.
• It’s nutrient-dense, offering protein, vitamins, and minerals in every serving.
• It’s versatile—you can serve it with rice, noodles, or even quinoa.
• It’s budget-friendly, using simple, everyday ingredients.
• It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating.

When you’re short on time but still want to make something that impresses your family or guests, Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the answer.

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:

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.