Looking for a quick dinner that’s healthy, tasty, and filling? This healthy chicken and broccoli recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple stir fry that comes together in under 30 minutes once your chicken is marinated. You’ll get juicy chicken pieces coated in a savory sauce with tender-crisp broccoli that keeps its crunch. The best part is that it uses one pan, so cleanup is minimal. Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice, and you’ve got a balanced meal that feels like classic takeout but made right in your kitchen. This is my go-to chicken breast recipe on busy weeknights when I want something that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients for Healthy Chicken and Broccoli
Chicken Marinade
1 large chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Salt
Garlic powder
Paprika
Black pepper
Marinate for 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
Sauce
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp garlic, minced
½ tsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp vinegar
½ tsp sesame oil
½ tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
Cornstarch thickens the sauce. Add a splash of water at the end to thin it if needed.
Other Ingredients
Broccoli
Cooking oil
Steamed rice (for serving)
Roasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Let it marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, overnight is even better.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat your stainless steel pan with a little oil.
Add broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Remove from the pan and set aside. This way, the broccoli won’t overcook and will stay crunchy.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to form a crust.
Flip and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine sugar, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 5: Drizzle the Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, lower the heat slightly.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir until it thickens and coats evenly.
Add the cooked broccoli back in and toss everything together for 1 more minute.
Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
Turn off the heat, garnish with roasted sesame seeds, and serve over steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Healthy Chicken and Broccoli
Let the Chicken Marinate Properly
Marinating the chicken makes all the difference in flavor. Even a quick 30-minute marinate will help the seasoning soak in, but an overnight rest gives you the juiciest and most flavorful chicken. The olive oil in the marinade keeps the chicken tender, while paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper bring depth to every bite. If you’re short on time, prep this step the night before so dinner is faster the next day.
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Cook the Broccoli Separately
A common mistake is cooking broccoli too long, which makes it mushy. By cooking it first and setting it aside, you can control the doneness. Broccoli should be bright green with a slight crunch—it tastes fresher and pairs better with the sauce. If you prefer softer broccoli, just cook it for an extra minute or two before removing it from the pan.
Get the Pan Hot Before Adding Chicken
When using stainless steel, temperature is everything. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken will stick. A quick test is to add a drop of water to the pan—if it sizzles and evaporates, you’re ready. This step also helps build a golden crust that locks in flavor. Resist the urge to stir too often; let the chicken sear before flipping.
Balance the Sauce
The sauce is a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. If you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes bring just enough spice without overpowering the dish. The cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it glossy and perfect for coating the chicken and broccoli. Don’t forget to add a splash of water at the end if the sauce feels too thick—it should cling, not clump.
Serve with Fresh Steamed Rice
Variations You Can Try
Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for more color and crunch.
Use chicken thighs instead of breast for extra juiciness.
Swap the broccoli for broccolini or green beans.
Make it spicier by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding Thai chili.
This healthy chicken and broccoli stir fry is simple, quick, and perfect for busy nights. You don’t need a ton of ingredients, and everything cooks in one pan. The chicken comes out juicy, the broccoli stays crisp, and the sauce ties it all together. It’s better than takeout and something you’ll want to keep in your weekly dinner rotation.
Healthy Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 large chicken breast cubed into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp garlic minced
- ½ tsp ginger minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Other Ingredients
- Broccoli
- Cooking oil
- Steamed rice for serving
- Roasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Let it marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, overnight is even better.
Cook the Broccoli
- Heat your stainless steel pan with a little oil.
- Add broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Remove from the pan and set aside. This way, the broccoli won’t overcook and will stay crunchy.
Fry the Chicken
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
- Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to form a crust.
- Flip and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine sugar, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Stir until smooth and set aside.
Drizzle the Sauce
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, lower the heat slightly.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir until it thickens and coats evenly.
- Add the cooked broccoli back in and toss everything together for 1 more minute.
- Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Turn off the heat, garnish with roasted sesame seeds, and serve over steamed rice.
