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 chicken breasts, sliced thinly; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Highlighted under: Light Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely love making this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables and lean protein, making it both nutritious and delicious. The sweet and savory sauce beautifully coats the tender chicken and crisp broccoli, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. I often whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when I want something healthy yet satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple in your kitchen too!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:36:45.121Z

When I first experimented with this Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, I wanted to create a dish that wasn't just nutritious but bursting with flavor. Using fresh ginger and garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste that truly lifts the dish. I found that marinating the chicken briefly in soy sauce and cornstarch not only helps to tenderize it but also enhances the sauce’s cling to the meat, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

This stir fry has become a family favorite because it’s so customizable. I often throw in whatever veggies I have on hand, such as bell peppers or snap peas, allowing for endless variations. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as stir frying is all about speed and high heat!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
Packed with nutrients from broccoli and chicken
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and sauces

The Perfect Marinade

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances its flavor and tenderness. The combination of soy sauce and cornstarch not only imparts a savory taste but also helps create a slight crust when stir-fried. If you're short on time, you can let the chicken marinate for as little as 5 minutes; however, 10 minutes or longer will yield even better results. For those looking to add a bit of zest, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of chili flakes to the marinade.

Cornstarch plays a significant role in making the chicken juicy and ensures a delightful, velvety sauce as it cooks. Since cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, it is important to mix it thoroughly with the soy sauce before marinating. Additionally, when stir-frying, high heat helps the chicken caramelize and develop a nice golden edge, giving it a visually appealing finish.

Vegetable Variations

While broccoli and red bell peppers are fantastic choices due to their vibrant colors and health benefits, you can easily customize this dish with other vegetables. Snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers of different colors such as yellow or green can add varied textures and flavors. If you prefer a softer vegetable, add zucchini or mushrooms, but remember to adjust your cooking time: these tend to cook faster and should be added later in the stir-fry process, just a minute or two before serving.

For a touch of heat, consider tossing in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha into the stir-fry. This adds not just spice but also depth to the overall flavor profile. Combining a mix of textures and flavors keeps the dish exciting and ensures you won’t get bored eating it multiple times a week.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is best served immediately as it ensures that the chicken remains tender and the vegetables stay crisp. Plate it over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal. Garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving adds a nice touch and enhances the dish’s visual appeal. You can also serve it with a wedge of lime for an extra burst of freshness.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, a quick 1-2 minutes in the microwave works well, but for the best texture, consider reheating in a pan over medium heat to revive the crispness of the vegetables. This dish also freezes well—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for about a month.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables based on your preference.

Instructions

Make sure all your ingredients and tools are ready before beginning to ensure a quick cooking process.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it's golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the garlic, ginger, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green but still crisp.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and red bell pepper back to the pan. Drizzle with sesame oil and stir everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.

Enjoy your healthy stir fry while it's fresh and hot!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or some sliced chili to the stir fry.

Common Troubleshooting

If your broccoli seems overly soft instead of crisp, ensure you’re not overcooking it. The goal is to keep it bright green and tender-crisp; a quick 2-3 minutes on high heat is usually perfect. If it starts to become mushy, lower your cooking times next time. You can also try blanching the broccoli beforehand, which involves briefly boiling it before stir-frying to retain its color and crunch.

Sometimes the sauce may not coat everything evenly. To remedy this, consider making a little extra sauce by mixing additional soy sauce with cornstarch and water to thicken. This way, you can drizzle it in towards the end of cooking to achieve an even glaze over all your ingredients.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is quite flexible and can easily be scaled up or down. If you want to serve more people, simply double the ingredients while keeping the cooking method the same. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of the desired stir-frying effect.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one, feel free to halve the ingredients. Make sure to adjust the marinating and cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking the chicken. Leftovers can easily be reheated or transformed into a wrap or salad the next day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using.

→ Is this stir fry gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by substituting tamari for soy sauce.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with tofu and ensure the soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms based on your preference!