Let me tell you, this Chicken and Broccoli Recipe has saved dinner more times than I can count. Whether it’s a hectic Monday night or a lazy Sunday when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this is one of my go-tos. The best part? It’s fast, packed with flavor, and still feels like a wholesome, healthy meal.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a nutritious dinner. It’s a high protein low carb meal that’s ready in around 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight chicken dinners or easy meal prep. Whether you serve it over rice, toss it into pasta, or keep it keto with cauliflower rice, this simple chicken and broccoli dish always delivers.
Table of contents
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Chicken and Broccoli
- It’s made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze
- The flavor is fresh, garlicky, and savory with a little kick if you want it
- You can totally make it gluten free, low carb, or dairy free
- It works great for meal prep and stays tasty even the next day
- You can serve it over rice, noodles, or all on its own
Want to make it your own? Try these swaps:
- Gluten free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Keto or low carb? Serve it with cauliflower rice or zoodles
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end
- Spice it up? A little sriracha or red chili flakes go a long way
What to Knock Out Ahead of Time
If you’re anything like me, getting dinner on the table faster is always a win. That’s why I love doing a little prep earlier in the day (or even the night before) to make this chicken and broccoli recipe even easier. Here’s what you can knock out ahead of time to save yourself some stress when it’s go-time:
- Slice the chicken: Cut it into bite-sized pieces or thin strips so it cooks evenly and quickly
- Chop the broccoli: Florets should be bite-sized so they don’t overpower each bite
- Mince the garlic and ginger: You can store them together in a small airtight container
- Mix the sauce ingredients: Whisk up the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch ahead and keep it chilled
- Cook your rice or noodles (if serving with one): Store them in the fridge and reheat when it’s time to plate
Trust me, a little prep makes this dish fly by when you’re hungry and short on time.
Recipe Card
Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
4
servings15
minutes20
minutes320
kcalThis quick chicken and broccoli recipe combines lean protein and fresh vegetables for a balanced, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth (for extra sauciness)
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the broccoli and slice the chicken breast into thin strips.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add broccoli and cook until bright green and slightly tender, around 3–5 minutes.
- Combine and Season: Return the chicken to the skillet with broccoli. Add garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Pour in chicken broth if using, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Broth option: Add chicken broth for more sauciness.
- Additional veggies: Add bell peppers or snap peas if you prefer a veggie medley.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 38g
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My Little Tricks That Make This Chicken and Broccoli Even Better
I’ve made this chicken and broccoli recipe more times than I can count, and trust me, a few little tricks go a long way. Whether you’re cooking for two or meal prepping for the week, these tips will help you get restaurant-level results at home.
- Cut the chicken evenly so it all cooks at the same rate. Thinner strips cook faster and stay juicy.
- Don’t crowd the pan. If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to keep it from steaming.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger. It makes all the difference in flavor—way more punch than the powdered stuff.
- Watch your heat. Medium-high is the sweet spot. Too low and your chicken won’t brown. Too high and things burn fast.
- Add sauce last. Pour it in only once everything is nearly cooked so it thickens right at the end and coats beautifully.
- Finish with texture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts gives a nice crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken and broccoli over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for added protein and a full meal. For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions!
Fun Ways to Switch It Up
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli: Add ¼ cup of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese during the final toss in the pan. It turns the dish into a comforting, creamy skillet meal.
- Spicy Chicken and Broccoli: Toss in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce with the soy mixture. It adds a nice heat and deeper flavor.
- Chicken and Broccoli with Noodles: Cook soba or rice noodles and toss them right into the skillet after the sauce thickens. Add a splash more soy and sesame oil to coat.
- Keto Chicken and Broccoli: Skip the honey and use a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit. Serve over cauliflower rice or just eat as is.
- Chicken and Broccoli Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce instead of the stir-fry sauce, and let it simmer for a minute longer to caramelize slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, just let it thaw slightly and pat it dry to prevent excess water in the skillet.
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible and works well with bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
If you prefer, you can skip the oyster sauce or use hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness.
I love using chicken breast for a leaner option, but boneless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Both work well, just slice evenly.
Final Thoughts Before You Cook
There’s something so satisfying about mastering a recipe that’s simple, fast, and packed with flavor and this chicken and broccoli recipe is one of those wins. It’s healthy without feeling like you’re missing out, and the leftovers are just as good as the first bite. Whether you’re serving it over rice, stuffing it into wraps, or spooning it straight from the pan, I hope it becomes one of your back-pocket favorites too.
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