Name: Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cups broccoli florets; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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If you’re craving a dinner that brings together bold flavor and vibrant veggies in a flash, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect answer. This classic takeout-inspired stir fry is big on savory, garlicky goodness, tender chicken, and a crisp-tender broccoli bite, all tossed in a glossy sauce. It comes together in no time, making it an ideal weeknight hero or meal prep mainstay. Trust me, this is one dish where every bite feels comforting, satisfying, and just a little addictive!

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, Garlic Chicken with Broccoli delivers loads of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its own important role — from the succulent chicken and bright green broccoli to the umami-rich sauces and punchy garlic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, these are perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors of the dish.
Soy sauce: Adds deep savory notes and that essential touch of saltiness, both for marinating and for the sauce.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a silky coating and thickens the glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
Vegetable oil: High heat-friendly oil ensures even searing of the chicken and quick stir-frying throughout.
Broccoli florets: Offers a vibrant crunch and soaks up the garlicky sauce beautifully.
Garlic: The star aromatics, bringing tons of bold, unmistakable flavor to every mouthful.
Chicken broth: Adds savory body to the stir fry, helping blend all the flavors and carry the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Packs in umami depth and a hint of sweetness, key for that takeout-style finish.
Rice vinegar: Provides a light, tangy balance that brightens the entire dish.
Sesame oil: A drizzle of nutty richness to round out the flavors at the end.
Black pepper: Lends a mild kick and subtle complexity, enhancing the overall dish.
Cornstarch slurry: Necessary for thickening the sauce right at the final stage, giving a perfect glossy finish.

How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken breast pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This quick marinade not only seasons the chicken but also creates a protective, slightly starchy coating that helps keep the meat juicy as it cooks. Let the chicken sit while you prep the remaining ingredients — a few minutes is all it needs!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add in the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for four to five minutes. You want each piece nicely golden and cooked through. When ready, transfer chicken out of the pan and keep it on a plate — it will finish in the sauce later.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets directly into the same skillet. Pour in a quarter cup of water, cover, and let them steam for two to three minutes until they turn bright green and are just crisp-tender. This step locks in color and freshness without overcooking. Be sure to drain off any extra water before moving on.

Step 4: Add the Garlic

Now it’s time for that punch of flavor! Toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. The kitchen should instantly smell heavenly — just be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, oyster sauce, the extra soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir everything together with the garlicky broccoli. The mixture will start to bubble up and create an aromatic pool of savory goodness.

Step 6: Combine and Thicken

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it in. Keep stirring for one to two minutes as the sauce thickens, turning glossy and clinging to the chicken and broccoli. Now your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is ready to enjoy, piping hot and irresistibly fragrant!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Broccoli

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions can take your Garlic Chicken with Broccoli from great to spectacular. Fresh cilantro leaves, a dusting of black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon can add a touch of extra brightness right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is delicious spooned over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or warm brown rice. For noodle lovers, lo mein or rice noodles make a fabulous saucy base. On the lighter side, serve with cauliflower rice or even tucked into lettuce leaves for a crunchy, low-carb twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to change things up? Try serving Garlic Chicken with Broccoli in bento-style lunch boxes for meal prep, or pile it high onto a platter for family-style sharing. You can also serve it alongside other Chinese-American classics like egg rolls or dumplings for a festive homemade takeout night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Chicken with Broccoli keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let everything cool completely, then stash portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to two months. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm Garlic Chicken with Broccoli gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Garlic Chicken with Broccoli, offering even more juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a vegetarian mushroom stir fry sauce. These swaps will change the flavor slightly, but still offer plenty of savory depth.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Snow peas, red bell pepper, or bok choy are all wonderful additions. Just aim for quick-cooking veggies that won’t overpower the flavor or texture of the dish.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli is a meal prep superstar. Cook and cool the dish, then portion out single servings with rice or noodles in airtight containers. Everything will reheat beautifully for an easy lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both nutritious and mouthwateringly flavorful, let Garlic Chicken with Broccoli be your go-to. It’s wonderfully versatile, speedy to prepare, and always a dinnertime win — I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own family favorite!

Garlic Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and healthy stir-fry dish that’s quick and easy to make. Tender chicken pieces, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic sauce come together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

3 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Stir-Fry: Add broccoli to the skillet with 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove any excess water. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.