Name: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup coconut aminos; ¼ cup chicken broth; 2 Tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 Tbsp tapioca flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour); 2 inch nub ginger (peeled); 1 Tbsp sriracha (optional); ½ tsp sea salt (to taste); 2 Tbsp avocado oil; 1 medium-sized yellow onion (sliced); 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (chopped into bite-sized pieces); 4 large cloves garlic (minced); 1 large crown broccoli (chopped into florets); 1 small red bell pepper (diced); Sesame seeds for serving; Cilantro for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both wholesome and quick to make, this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with tender chicken pieces, crisp broccoli florets, and a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving without any fuss. This recipe combines simple, nourishing ingredients in a way that makes every bite a delight, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome, colorful plate on the table fast.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round wooden bowl filled with a base layer of light beige cooked rice with a fluffy texture, topped with a mix of stir-fried vegetables and diced chicken pieces. The stir-fry layer contains bright green broccoli florets, orange-brown chicken chunks, translucent cooked onion slices, and small red bell pepper pieces, all mixed and sprinkled with small black sesame seeds. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, with a blurred white cup and some food in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing layers of texture and burst of flavor that make the dish irresistible. From the nuttiness of toasted sesame oil to the fresh crunch of bell peppers, every element is chosen to keep it simple yet extraordinary.

Avocado oil: High smoke point oil perfect for stir-frying without burning and adds a subtle buttery flavor.
Yellow onion (medium, sliced): Adds sweetness and a slightly caramelized depth when sautéed.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1.5 pounds, chopped bite-sized): The lean protein base that cooks up juicy and tender.
Garlic (4 large cloves, minced): Brings aromatic pungency essential for that authentic stir fry taste.
Broccoli (1 large crown, chopped into florets): Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
Red bell pepper (small, diced): Adds a sweet, colorful contrast and freshness.
Sesame seeds: For a nutty garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.
Cilantro: A fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish with herbaceous notes.
Coconut aminos (½ cup): A savory, slightly sweet soy sauce alternative, lending rich umami flavor.
Chicken broth (¼ cup): Enhances depth and keeps the sauce tender and luscious.
Rice vinegar (2 Tbsp): Adds the perfect tang that balances the sweetness.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp): A finishing oil that elevates the dish with its intense nuttiness.
Tapioca flour (1 Tbsp): Acts as a gluten-free thickener to create a silky sauce coating.
Ginger (2-inch nub, peeled): Fresh ginger introduces a spicy warmth that awakens the palate.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
Sriracha (1 Tbsp, optional): For those who love a touch of heat and extra flavor punch.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

Start by blending all the sauce ingredients in a small blender or vigorously whisking them together in a bowl. Coconut aminos, chicken broth, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, tapioca flour, ginger, sea salt, and optional sriracha combine to make a rich, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that binds the dish with flavor and gloss.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the avocado oil over high heat in a large nonstick skillet or wok. Toss in the sliced yellow onion and stir frequently. You want the edges to take on a golden-brown hue to develop that lovely sweetness and depth that only caramelized onions can provide.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Garlic

Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Stir occasionally to brown the chicken beautifully on all sides, while infusing it with the fragrant garlic aroma. If the skillet gets too hot and the ingredients cook too fast, reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce

Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the chopped broccoli florets and diced red bell pepper. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and stir well. Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the broccoli reaches your preferred crisp-tender texture. Adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed. The glossy sauce should beautifully coat each piece of chicken and vegetable, inviting you to the perfect combination of textures and bold flavors. Add your chosen garnishes and serve piping hot for the best experience.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Two wooden bowls each filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft, grainy texture, the middle layer contains colorful stir-fried pieces including light brown chunks of chicken, dark green broccoli florets, translucent cooked onions, small red pepper pieces, and light golden sliced garlic, topped with scattered black sesame seeds. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface. On the right side is a blue ceramic bowl filled with black sesame seeds, next to a mustard-yellow cloth with fringed edges, and a pair of chopsticks with white and blue handles placed near the bottom bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that perfectly complements the rich sauce. Fresh cilantro or even Thai basil brightens up the dish with herbal freshness, making each bite more vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs incredibly well with steamed brown rice or classic jasmine white rice, which soak up all the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option that maintains lightness without compromising satisfaction.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and visually striking meal, serve your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in brightly colored bowls or on a bed of spiralized vegetables instead of rice. You can also turn it into a lettuce wrap filling for a fresh, handheld option perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. The broccoli may soften slightly, but the dish remains delicious whether cold or reheated.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separate from the sauce if you want to maintain texture. Otherwise, freezing everything together can lead to mushier vegetables once thawed. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens up too much during storage. Stir frequently to heat evenly and preserve the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful alternative to breasts, though they may require slightly longer cooking time. Just be sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, soy sauce or tamari is a great substitute to maintain the umami flavor. Adjust saltiness to taste, since soy sauce is generally saltier than coconut aminos.

Is it necessary to use tapioca flour?

Tapioca flour helps thicken the sauce and gives it that perfect glossy finish, but if you don’t have it on hand, gluten-free all-purpose flour works well too. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the thickener altogether.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

Adding more sriracha or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will amp up the heat. You can also toss in sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking if you love bold, spicy flavors.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the sauce. The flavor profiles and textures are still fantastic, making this a flexible recipe for all diets.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a wonderful addition to your weeknight meal rotation—a lively medley of textures and flavors that comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it proves that quick cooking can be full of heart and excitement. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to dishes for effortless, nourishing dinners that everyone will love.