Quick Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce
Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a fragrant garlic and soy sauce glaze, ready in under 20 minutes. This asian-inspired stir fry (high protein) ready in about 22 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, cut into 1-inch strips boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp brown sugar until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz chicken breast strips and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over everything.
- Step 7: Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Step 8: Season with 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, toss to combine, and serve immediately over steamed rice if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Quick Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Garlic Soy Sauce high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
