Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, healthy stir-fry that takes less time than takeout, let me introduce you to my weeknight hero: Garlic Chicken with Broccoli. This dish brings together juicy golden chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. Full of bold flavors and quick to the table, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is my go-to when I want something satisfying, colorful, and full of savory goodness — all in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is refreshingly simple, yet every item plays a key role. Think of these as your building blocks for maximum flavor, texture, and eye-catching color — nothing is wasted, and every step adds a punch.
- Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces for even, speedy cooking and tender bites every time.
- Olive oil: Just a bit is all you need to sear the chicken and bring out a lovely sheen in the broccoli.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen both work; the vibrant green pops beautifully on your plate and stays perfectly crisp.
- Garlic: Four whole cloves, minced, bring bold aroma and depth that define this dish’s personality.
- Soy sauce: Adds that irresistible savory backbone — swap for tamari if you want it gluten-free.
- Oyster sauce: This thick, glossy sauce brings sweet-salty depth and umami that really sets Garlic Chicken with Broccoli apart.
- Chicken broth: Low-sodium is best, giving you control over the final seasoning while lending richness to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (with water): This quick slurry thickens the sauce to glossy perfection and helps it coat every morsel.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch spices the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, these add zing at the very end.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start with a good, hot skillet or wok and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high. Add your chicken pieces, sprinkle on the black pepper, and let them sit undisturbed for the first minute or so — this helps develop that lovely golden crust. After that, stir and continue cooking for about 5-6 minutes, until every piece is cooked through and has a little caramelized color. Set the chicken aside on a plate, but don’t wipe out the pan — we want to keep all those tasty bits for later flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Add another hit of olive oil to the pan, then toss in your broccoli. Let the florets sizzle, stirring every so often, until they turn an ultra-bright green and start to get just a hint of char at the edges. This usually takes about 3 minutes and gives you that perfect tender-crisp texture (no soggy broccoli here!).
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Push the broccoli to the edges of the skillet and add all of your minced garlic to the center. Cook for 30 seconds — just until fragrant. The smell is absolutely amazing and you’ll know your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is about to shine. Stir everything together so the broccoli picks up that garlicky punch.
Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce
While the broccoli’s finishing, whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Pour this mixture right into the pan, then bring it all to a simmer. This is where all the savory magic happens and the aroma starts to fill up your kitchen.
Step 5: Finish and Thicken
Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet, giving everything a nice toss. In a separate cup, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water until smooth, then drizzle it into the simmering sauce. Stir and watch as the sauce quickly thickens, cloaking every bite in a glossy, garlicky glaze. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. Serve it up hot and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Garnishes
Give your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli a restaurant-worthy finish by showering it with finely sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime can brighten the flavors even more for a fresh twist. If you love color, a scatter of thinly sliced red chili peppers looks beautiful and tastes great, especially if you enjoy a little spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli over fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up every drop of that sticky, savory sauce. If you’re craving something lighter, try it alongside cauliflower rice, quinoa, or tossed with quick-cooked noodles. A simple cucumber salad on the side cools things down and adds a pop of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, spoon Garlic Chicken with Broccoli into lettuce cups for a crisp, hand-held appetizer. Or turn leftovers into an Asian-inspired wrap with a fresh tortilla and a swipe of hoisin sauce. For a family-style dinner, serve everything straight from the skillet in the center of the table for a casual, shared meal — just add chopsticks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli holds up beautifully for meal prep or leftovers. Let everything cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors even deepen slightly overnight, making your next-day lunch that much tastier.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep Garlic Chicken with Broccoli on hand for busy nights, it freezes well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, do this before adding any fresh garnishes like green onions.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a portion with a splash of water, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until piping hot. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, a few tablespoons of water or broth will loosen it right up and help revive the glossy finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as flavorful and turn out extra juicy. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cut them into similar, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is Garlic Chicken with Broccoli gluten-free?
It very easily can be. Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari (which is gluten-free), and double-check your oyster sauce — many brands now offer gluten-free versions. With those small changes, you’re all set for a celiac-friendly meal.
What other vegetables work in this recipe?
While broccoli is the classic choice, feel free to change things up with green beans, snap peas, bell peppers, or even baby corn. The sauce complements almost any veggie you have on hand, and it’s a great way to clear out the fridge.
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds incredible depth, but if you’re out (or keeping things vegetarian), try a vegetarian oyster sauce or even a little extra soy sauce mixed with a dash of sugar. The flavor profile will be different, but still delicious!
How do I avoid overcooking the broccoli?
Keep an eye on the color and texture — broccoli should turn a brilliant green and just start to soften, but still hold a little bite. Stir-frying over fairly high heat for just 3 minutes keeps it perfectly crisp-tender, protecting that all-important crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers huge flavor, weeknight speed, and a hit of healthy veggies, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is an absolute winner. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen for good reason, and I truly think you’ll love how satisfying (and simple) it is. Try it tonight and let this savory, garlicky classic earn a top spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and healthy stir-fry dish that can be prepared quickly. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with fresh broccoli in a savory garlic sauce, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook chicken pieces with black pepper until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Cook broccoli for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Pour over the chicken and broccoli. Simmer, then add cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Add red pepper flakes if desired, toss, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.
- You can substitute green beans or snow peas for broccoli.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
