Healthy Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

There's something incredibly satisfying about the sizzling sound of a stir fry hitting a hot pan. This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry delivers bold flavor, crisp-tender veggies, and juicy chicken—all tossed in a savory sauce that’ll have you licking your plate clean.

I first created this dish on a weeknight when my fridge was nearly bare except for a pack of chicken and a head of broccoli. With a few pantry staples and a hot skillet, dinner was on the table in under 30 minutes—and now it’s part of our weekly rotation.

It’s quick, it’s nourishing, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal plan.

Why You'll Love This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Say hello to your new go-to dinner. This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is not only easy on the waistline, but it’s also fast, flavorful, and family-approved.

First off, it’s quick and easy. From start to finish, this dish takes just about 25 minutes—perfect for those nights when time (and patience) are short.

It’s also incredibly healthy. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and a lighter stir fry sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe supports your clean-eating goals without sacrificing taste.

On top of that, it’s budget-friendly. With just a few simple, whole-food ingredients, you can feed a hungry family of four without breaking the bank.

And perhaps best of all, it’s versatile. You can easily swap in different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand—making it a delicious way to use up leftovers or whatever's in the fridge.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that classic, crave-worthy stir fry flavor while keeping things light and wholesome.

Chicken breast is the protein star here. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin. If you’re a fan of dark meat, chicken thighs work beautifully too—they offer a slightly richer flavor and more forgiving texture.

Broccoli brings color, crunch, and nutrients to the table. Fresh florets are best for that perfect crisp-tender bite, but if you're using frozen, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Soy sauce forms the base of the stir fry sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things heart-healthy, or use coconut aminos for a gluten-free, soy-free alternative. Either way, it’s the key to that deeply savory, umami-rich taste.

Garlic and ginger are essential aromatics that bring brightness and depth. Use fresh if you can—the flavor payoff is worth it—but pre-minced will still do the trick in a pinch.

For the sauce, I like to include a bit of cornstarch to help it thicken and coat every bite. Just a teaspoon or two goes a long way toward that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

You won’t need much in the way of equipment—just a large nonstick skillet or wok, a sharp knife, and a mixing bowl for the sauce.

How To Make This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Making this stir fry is as easy as it gets. The key is to have everything prepped and ready to go before the heat hits the pan—stir fry moves fast!

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips. The thinner the better—this helps them cook quickly and stay juicy. Season them lightly with salt and pepper while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, a splash of chicken broth or water, a dash of honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and cornstarch. This creates your simple, flavorful sauce that brings everything together at the end.

Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil (like avocado or canola) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Add another drizzle of oil if needed, then toss in your broccoli florets. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. If your broccoli is extra thick, a splash of water and quick steam under a lid can help it along.

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in your stir fry sauce. It’ll sizzle and thicken almost instantly—just stir everything to coat, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined.

From prep to plate, this whole meal takes less than half an hour. Serve it hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.

Storage Options

Leftovers? You’re in luck. This stir fry stores and reheats like a dream.

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish too. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay them flat for easy stacking) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, a quick toss in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth will revive the sauce beautifully. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this stir fry is how easy it is to customize based on what you like or have available.

If you’re out of chicken, try shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the cook time depending on your protein—shrimp cooks fast, while beef may need a touch longer.

Not a broccoli fan? No problem. Swap in snow peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or a frozen stir fry veggie blend. Just make sure everything is cut into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.

For a sauce variation, stir in a spoonful of hoisin sauce or a squirt of Sriracha for a sweet or spicy twist. You can even add peanut butter and a dash of lime juice for a Thai-inspired spin.

Watching carbs? Serve your stir fry over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy it solo—it’s hearty enough to stand on its own.

Don't be afraid to make it your own. Stir fry is meant to be flexible and forgiving, so experiment with your favorite add-ins until it becomes your perfect version.

Ready to bring some sizzle to your weeknight dinner routine? This Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is here to save the day—one skillet and one delicious bite at a time.

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