Print

Quick Weeknight Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry

quick weeknight chicken & broccoli stir fry - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and flavorful stir-fry that turns even broccoli haters into fans. Tender chicken thighs and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce, ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into uniform florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (brown sugar preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (high-smoke-point)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for chicken marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for chicken marinade)
  • Red pepper flakes, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry and toss with 1 teaspoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let sit while prepping vegetables.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sugar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice green onions. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  4. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  5. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return chicken and blanched broccoli to the pan. Pour sauce over everything and toss quickly to coat. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens and everything is glossy.
  7. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Velveting the chicken with cornstarch keeps it juicy. Blanching the broccoli ensures it stays crisp-tender and bright green. High heat is essential for proper searing; do not crowd the pan. Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken stir fry, broccoli recipe, quick weeknight dinner, easy stir fry, healthy chicken dinner, 20 minute meals, umami sauce, velveting chicken

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/quick-weeknight-chicken-and-broccoli-stir-fry-15-min-meal/