Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Name: Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy Inspirations Studio

I love whipping up this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry when I want something nutritious yet delicious. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all coated in a light, savory sauce. I enjoy serving this over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. In just 30 minutes, I can have a healthy dinner on the table that everyone will love, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights!

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:13:37.857Z

Making this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry has become a weekly ritual for me, especially on busy evenings. What I love most is how quickly everything comes together. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go beforehand. This not only saves time but also ensures that everything cooks evenly and maintains its vibrant colors.

One tip I found useful is to add the broccoli at the right moment; it should just turn bright green and stay crunchy. This helps preserve the nutrients and keeps the texture delightful. The light soy sauce mixed with garlic and ginger creates a punchy flavor that I can't get enough of!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
Packed with nutrients and vibrant vegetables
Perfect for meal prep and healthy weeknight dinners

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this stir fry plays a crucial role in achieving the best flavor and texture. The chicken breast is a lean protein source that becomes tender when cooked quickly at high temperatures, which is ideal for stir frying. Make sure to slice it into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. If you're looking for a different protein, boneless turkey or tofu can serve as great substitutes, adjusting cooking times accordingly—about 5-6 minutes for tofu, ensuring it's golden and heated through.

Broccoli florets not only add vibrant color but also pack a nutritious punch. When stir frying, they should maintain a bit of crunch, which enhances the dish's texture. To achieve this, don't overcook the broccoli—keep an eye on the color; they should turn bright green. You can also substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snow peas or bell pepper, but be mindful of their cooking times to preserve their crispness.

Mastering the Stir Fry Technique

Stir frying is all about technique! Heat your olive oil until it shimmers but isn't smoking; this typically occurs around medium-high heat. If the oil starts to smoke, it could burn the chicken and vegetables, leaving an unpleasant taste. Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet for better results; they help achieve that coveted golden color and prevent sticking.

Keep your ingredients organized and ready to toss in, as stir frying is a fast-paced method. After adding the chicken, let it sear without stirring for the first couple of minutes to develop flavor. Then, stir frequently to ensure even cooking. If you find that the chicken is golden but not cooking through, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan for a minute to steam and finish cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this delightful stir-fry:

Main Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

You can customize this stir fry with other vegetables of your choice!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious stir fry:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for about 10 minutes to marinate.

Stir Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the broccoli and bell pepper to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Finish with Garlic and Ginger

Add minced garlic and ginger to the stir fry, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stir-fry hot over rice or quinoa, and enjoy your healthy meal!

Feel free to add your favorite sauces or proteins!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, top with sesame seeds or cashews before serving.

Storage and Meal Prep

This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great candidate for meal prep. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to maintain texture. Avoid microwave heating if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery and overcook the veggies.

If you want to prepare it in advance, you can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. On busy nights, simply heat the oil, stir fry the chicken, and add the veggies for a quick, nutritious dinner in under 15 minutes!

Flavor Customizations

Feel free to customize the sauce to suit your taste! If you enjoy a little heat, adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or sriracha can give your stir fry a kick without overwhelming the other flavors. For a sweeter touch, consider adding a splash of honey or a teaspoon of brown sugar to the sauce.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari, which offers a similar umami flavor profile. Experimenting with different vegetables can also enhance the dish; try adding zucchini or mushrooms for different flavors and textures. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender yet crisp.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this stir fry?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the stir fry to prevent excess moisture.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for variety and color!