The short answer: this chicken and broccoli recipe sears bite-size chicken, stir-fries broccoli, then coats both in a garlic-soy sauce in about 30 minutes.
- Key numbers: 1 lb chicken · 4 cups broccoli · 165°F · feeds 4
- Top moves: hot pan, sear chicken first, crisp broccoli, slurry at the end
- Free and paid next step: get the free recipe book starter pages (we email it to you), or save your sauce notes in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99).
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Amounts and methods for this chicken and broccoli recipe were checked November 6, 2026.
Chicken and broccoli ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast or thighs | 1 pound | Bite-size pieces |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups | Fresh or thawed frozen |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup | Low-sodium OK |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | |
| Brown sugar or honey | 1 tablespoon | |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | + 1 Tbsp water |
| Neutral oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Sesame oil (optional) | 1 teaspoon | Finish |
| Ginger (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
How to make chicken and broccoli
- Sear chicken. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken lightly; cook until browned and nearly done. Poultry must reach 165°F (USDA chicken). Transfer to a plate.
- Broccoli. Add remaining oil; stir-fry broccoli 3 to 5 minutes with a splash of water if needed until crisp-tender.
- Sauce. Stir garlic 30 seconds. Add soy, broth and sugar. Return chicken. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes.
- Thicken. Stir cornstarch with water; pour in while stirring until glossy. Finish with sesame oil.
- Serve over rice.
Wash boards that touched raw chicken with hot soapy water (4 steps to food safety). Leftovers keep about 3 to 4 days refrigerated.
More skillet nights: stir fry, lemon pepper chicken, tuscan chicken and easy dinner ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you make chicken and broccoli? Sear bite-size chicken until browned, set aside, stir-fry broccoli until crisp-tender, then toss everything in a garlic-soy sauce until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens.
What temperature should chicken reach? Cook chicken to 165°F in the thickest piece. Use a thermometer on a larger chunk if you are unsure.
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in chicken and broccoli. Thaw and pat dry, or add from frozen and cook off extra water so the sauce does not thin out.
How do I keep the broccoli bright green? High heat, short cook, and do not drown it in sauce early. Stop at crisp-tender.
Is this the same as chicken broccoli casserole? No, this chicken and broccoli is not the same as chicken broccoli casserole. This page is a skillet or stir-fry. A creamy baked chicken broccoli casserole is a different dish and bake format.
What sauce works best? A mix of soy sauce, garlic, a little brown sugar or honey, chicken broth and cornstarch is classic. Add ginger or chili flakes if you want.
Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken thighs in chicken and broccoli. Boneless thighs stay juicy; still cook to 165°F.
What do you serve with chicken and broccoli? Serve chicken and broccoli with steamed rice, cauliflower rice or noodles. See rice recipes and stir fry for more sides and sauce ideas.
Can I meal prep it? Yes, chicken and broccoli works well for meal prep. Cool, portion with rice, refrigerate 3 to 4 days, and reheat until steaming hot. Broccoli softens on reheating.
How do I make it saucier like takeout? Double the broth and cornstarch slurry and simmer 1 extra minute after the chicken goes back in.
How do I plan chicken and broccoli into a week of dinners? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu and aisle-sorted list so chicken, broccoli and pantry sauce ingredients land on one trip.
Where can I save my family's chicken and broccoli recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages so your sauce ratios stay with your other weeknight skillets.
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Chicken from farm to table fsis.usda.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: 4 steps to food safety foodsafety.gov