If you’re hunting for a restaurant-worthy weeknight dinner that’s a breeze to pull together, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is about to become your new staple. Each bite brings juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a garlicky sauce that clings to every morsel in a sweet-savory glaze. This dish is not only healthy and bursting with flavor, but it also proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or endless prep to serve something the whole table will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Garlic Chicken with Broccoli might be short, but don’t let that fool you—each item brings major impact to the final dish. Freshness, a punch of garlic, and that signature sticky, glossy sauce make every bite memorable. Everything here is easy to find, and you’ll appreciate how the flavors and textures play together.
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the garlicky goodness—just cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Adds brilliant color and a crisp-tender texture that stands up beautifully to stir-frying.
- Olive oil: Chosen for its subtle fruitiness and healthy fats, olive oil keeps everything from sticking while giving a smooth mouthfeel.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here; mince them fine for even distribution and a fragrant, robust flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: This forms the base for the sauce, adding depth and just enough savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami and seasoning, but using low-sodium keeps the dish balanced and bright.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness to round out the garlic and soy, helping the sauce develop a beautiful glaze.
- Cornstarch: Just a little goes a long way in thickening the sauce to the ideal, clingy consistency.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that wakes up your tastebuds—adjust to your heat preference.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, making sure every bite of chicken and broccoli shines.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning them with salt and black pepper as you go. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook until it’s golden and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes in total. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for later.
Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic
Don’t wipe out the pan! Pour in the last tablespoon of olive oil, and once it shimmers, toss in the minced garlic. Give it a quick stir—garlic cooks fast, so in just 30 seconds your kitchen should smell amazing. Be vigilant so the garlic doesn’t burn; you want it just fragrant and beginning to soften, not browned.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Now, add the broccoli florets straight into that garlicky oil. Stir-fry for three to four minutes, moving them frequently. The broccoli should turn bright green and become just tender on the outside, while still maintaining a bit of crispness inside.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the broccoli cooks, whisk up your sauce in a small bowl: combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth. This magic mixture is what gives Garlic Chicken with Broccoli its luscious, shiny glaze.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour the sauce right over the broccoli in the skillet, stirring immediately so it evenly coats every floret. The sauce will begin to thicken instantly thanks to the cornstarch. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat, and toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are coated and the sauce has fully thickened—about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve while steamy and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli with thinly sliced green onions, a handful of toasted sesame seeds, or even a zest of lemon for a burst of brightness. These little touches add color, crunch, and aroma, making the dish look—and taste—extra special.
Side Dishes
This meal is perfectly satisfying by itself, but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or tender noodles gives you a delicious base to soak up all that savory-sweet sauce. For an even lighter option, try it with cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce leaves as a lower-carb wrap.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon portions into bento-style lunch boxes, alternating Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and bright veggie salads. Or, take it to a potluck in a large shallow bowl topped with extra herbs for a family-style shareable centerpiece. Kids may love it rolled up in soft tortillas as a fusion wrap!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Garlic Chicken with Broccoli, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors actually meld together beautifully as it sits overnight.
Freezing
You can easily freeze leftover portions for up to two months. Just let the dish cool completely before sealing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—the broccoli’s texture may soften a bit, but the savory-sweet flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy Garlic Chicken with Broccoli again, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and can bring a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Just watch the cook time and make sure they’re fully cooked through.
How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?
Quick, high-heat stir-frying is key. Don’t overcook the broccoli; as soon as it turns vibrant green and is just tender, it’s ready to go. If you like extra crunch, you can even briefly blanch the florets before adding them to the skillet.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Yes! Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli friendly for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly. Slice in red bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition. Just stir-fry them with the broccoli so they stay crisp and vibrant.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Chop your chicken and broccoli in advance, and mix the sauce and store it in a separate jar in the fridge. When you’re ready, just fire up the skillet and everything comes together quickly for an easy make-ahead dinner solution.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Garlic Chicken with Broccoli enough—it’s fast, full of flavor, and always wins rave reviews at my table. If you’re new to stir-frys or just want a cozy, healthy meal with restaurant flair, give this recipe a try. There’s a reason it’s become one of my go-tos, and I hope it lands a spot in your weekly rotation too!
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Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli stir-fry recipe that’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Tender chicken pieces and vibrant broccoli florets are cooked in a savory garlic sauce, creating a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Stir-Fry:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare Stir-Fry: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in remaining olive oil. Add broccoli and stir-fry until tender.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Pour into skillet with broccoli, add chicken and red pepper flakes. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Enjoy warm over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
