Chicken and Broccoli
A quick and flavorful chicken and broccoli stir-fry ready in under 30 minutes, featuring a garlicky soy-oyster marinade that tenderizes the chicken.
I make this chicken and broccoli at least once a week when I need something fast, satisfying, and reliable. Thinly sliced breast, a garlicky soy-oyster marinade, and a quick toss with crisp-tender broccoli give you dinner in under 30 minutes. If you like weeknight stir-fries with easy prep, you might also enjoy this creamy low-carb chicken casserole with broccoli and turkey bacon for a different, oven-ready take.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits the sweet spot between speed and flavor. It’s:
- Quick: total hands-on time is about 20 minutes plus a short marinade.
- Budget-friendly: simple pantry sauces and one protein.
- Family-friendly: mild, savory flavors that please kids and adults.
- Versatile: serves over rice, noodles, or on its own for low-carb meals.
What makes it special is the cornstarch in the marinade: it tenderizes the chicken and gives the sauce a glossy cling. The oyster sauce adds a savory depth you won’t get from soy alone.
Step-by-step overview
This is a straightforward stir-fry: marinate, sear, briefly cook the broccoli, then finish everything together. The cornstarch in the marinade thickens the cooking liquid into a silky sauce. Expect three main stations: the prep bowl (marinade), the hot pan for chicken, and a quick sauté for the broccoli. Keep heat high and movements quick for the best texture.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly (about 1/4-inch)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (sub with hoisin + mushroom sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (neutral oil with high smoke point)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes: Slice the chicken across the grain for tenderness. If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce soy sauce to 2 tablespoons.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Add sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed 1–2 minutes, then stir and cook 4–5 more minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add broccoli and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If needed, splash 1–2 tablespoons water and cover for 30 seconds to steam.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour any remaining marinade/sauce over everything.
- Stir and cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Prep
- 20 MIN
- Cook
- 10 MIN
- Total
- 30 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Marinade
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking Chicken
- Cooking Broccoli
- Final Assembly
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0 OF 8 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Slice the chicken across the grain for tenderness. If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce soy sauce to 2 tablespoons. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days, and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty bowl.
- Toss with udon or lo mein noodles for a saucier meal.
- For low-carb, plate over cauliflower rice or on a bed of sautéed greens.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
If you want to try a one-pan shortcut for busy nights, check this 15-minute sheet-pan beef and broccoli for a different quick meal idea.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works for quick lunches—cover and heat in 30–45 second bursts.
Food safety: Cooked chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally before serving. Cool leftovers within 2 hours and refrigerate promptly.
Creative twists
- Spicy: Add 1 tsp chili garlic sauce to the marinade for heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for firm tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce (mushroom-based).
- Nutty crunch: Finish with toasted cashews or almonds.
- Citrus lift: Stir in 1 tsp grated orange zest for a bright aroma.
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and add extra ginger/garlic for flavor.
Common questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes—thaw and drain excess water, or add frozen florets straight to the pan but allow a minute or two extra cooking time. Be mindful that frozen broccoli releases more moisture, which may thin the sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: 15 minutes is enough to flavor and tenderize because of the cornstarch. You can marinate up to 1 hour in the fridge. Avoid overnight with high-salt marinades to prevent a mealy texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use tamari in place of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce or a mushroom-based vegan oyster sauce.
Will the cornstarch make the sauce gummy?
A: If you use the recommended amounts and cook just until thickened, the sauce will be glossy and cling to the chicken. Too much cornstarch or prolonged simmering can over-thicken it.
Is this meal suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Store chicken and broccoli separately from grains if you want to maintain texture, then combine when reheating.
Conclusion
This chicken and broccoli recipe is a fast, dependable weekday dinner with room for easy swaps and upgrades. If you want another quick take on the classic stir-fry, see Iowa Girl Eats’ Easy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry for a slightly different technique and flavor profile. For a different spin, try my Broccoli Chicken Casserole.
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