Ultimate Super Saucy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Your Go-To Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home without the fuss? This super saucy chicken broccoli stir fry is your answer! It’s perfectly designed for serving with fluffy rice, allowing every grain to soak up that incredible, savory sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this chicken and broccoli stir fry is an absolute crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy weeknight dinners and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

There’s something uniquely comforting and satisfying about a homemade bowl of rice generously topped with a vibrant stir fry. It hits all the right notes – savory, fresh, and incredibly fulfilling. This particular chicken broccoli stir fry goes a step further by being incredibly quick to make, often ready in under 30 minutes, and it comes loaded with an abundance of luscious sauce. One of the most common questions I receive about saucy recipes is always, “Can I double the sauce ingredients if I want more?” With this recipe, I’ve taken the liberty of crafting an extra-saucy base from the start, ensuring your bowl of stir fry and rice is not just delicious, but wonderfully cozy and rich with flavor.

It’s no secret that stir fry dinners are a weekly staple in my kitchen. By the middle of the week, after days of cooking and recipe testing, I often find myself a little tired but still wanting a wholesome, satisfying meal. That’s when stir-fries truly shine! They’re perfect for whipping up around Wednesday or Thursday when time is precious and energy might be dwindling.

Chicken and broccoli also happen to be perennial favorite ingredients in our household. We rarely run out of either, making this recipe incredibly convenient. Beyond these two stars, almost everything else required for this dish is likely already sitting in your pantry or fridge, highlighting just how accessible and easy this recipe truly is to execute.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry:

Creating an outstanding stir fry begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to achieve that authentic, restaurant-quality taste and texture right in your home kitchen:

• Boneless Chicken: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken is ideal. You can choose chicken breasts, tenders, or even thighs, depending on your preference for leanness and richness. Whichever you choose, ensure you slice them thinly and evenly, against the grain, for quick cooking and maximum tenderness. This also helps the chicken absorb the delicious marinade and sauce more effectively.
• Baking Soda: This might seem like an unusual ingredient for a stir fry, but it’s my secret weapon for achieving that wonderfully tender, “take-out fake-out” chicken texture. Baking soda acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the protein fibers. Even a brief marinade of just a few minutes can dramatically improve the chicken’s tenderness, making it incredibly juicy and moist. Don’t skip this step!
• Seasonings: We’re keeping it simple yet impactful with red pepper flakes and white pepper. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat, which you can adjust to your liking, while white pepper provides a unique, earthy warmth that is characteristic of many Asian dishes, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
• Cornstarch: This versatile ingredient plays two crucial roles in our stir fry. First, it’s used to lightly coat the marinated chicken. This coating creates a protective layer that locks in moisture and juices when the chicken is cooked in hot oil, resulting in a more tender and succulent bite. Second, cornstarch is essential for thickening the stir fry sauce, giving it that glossy, rich consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken and broccoli.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets are fantastic for this recipe, offering a vibrant color and crisp texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli can be used, but remember to steam it lightly before adding it to the stir fry. The goal is to get it crisp-tender – bright green but still retaining a slight bite, not mushy. Steaming in the microwave is quick and easy (with a tablespoon of water and a microwave cover), or you can use a traditional steamer basket on the stovetop.
• Onions + Garlic: These are the aromatic powerhouses of our stir fry. Freshly sliced onions and minced garlic are crucial for building a deep, savory flavor base. Sautéing them until fragrant releases their sweet and pungent notes, infusing the entire dish with irresistible aroma and taste. Don’t underestimate the impact of fresh aromatics!
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This forms the essential savory foundation of our stir fry sauce. Opting for low sodium soy sauce is critical, as it prevents the overall dish from becoming overly salty, especially when combined with chicken stock. If you only have regular soy sauce, you might want to use slightly less or dilute it with a bit of water to balance the sodium content.
• Seasoning Sauce: Also known as Golden Mountain Sauce or sometimes simply “Seasoning Sauce,” this ingredient is a game-changer for adding an extra layer of umami and depth to the stir fry. It has a distinctive savory, slightly fermented flavor that elevates the sauce beyond standard soy sauce. Most well-stocked grocery stores now carry this in the Asian food aisle. If you can’t find it locally, it’s readily available online.
• Chicken Stock: Along with soy sauce, chicken stock provides the liquid base for our rich sauce. Using low sodium chicken stock further helps in controlling the saltiness of the dish while adding a savory richness that ties all the flavors together.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end is non-negotiable! Its distinctively nutty, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor is a hallmark of many Asian cuisines and adds a final flourish that brightens and deepens the entire stir fry sauce. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly but don’t omit it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Master Your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Making this chicken broccoli stir fry is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect, saucy dish every time:

1. Marinate the Chicken for Tenderness: Begin by placing your thinly sliced chicken into a medium-sized bowl. Add the baking soda, a small pinch of cornstarch, and a splash of water. Toss everything together thoroughly until the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 5 minutes – this short time is enough for the baking soda to work its magic. If you have a bit more time, letting it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to an hour in the fridge) will yield even more tender results.
2. Prepare Your Signature Stir Fry Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to whip up the star of the show – the sauce! In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a small mixing bowl), combine the low sodium soy sauce, seasoning sauce, cornstarch (the full 2 tablespoons for the sauce), oyster sauce, chicken stock, toasted sesame oil, and white pepper. Secure the lid and give it several vigorous shakes until all the ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch has completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce. Set aside.
3. Perfectly Steam the Broccoli: Next, prepare your broccoli. Place the broccoli florets into a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave cover and cook on high for 2-3 minutes. You want the broccoli to turn a vibrant bright green and become tender-crisp, but not mushy. It should still have a slight bite to it. If you don’t have a microwave, a steamer basket on the stovetop works just as well. Once steamed, set the broccoli aside – it will be added back into the pan later.
4. The Art of the Stir Fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of high-heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 30 seconds to allow them to soften slightly and release their aroma. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden – be careful not to burn it! Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan. Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan, spreading it out into a single, thin layer. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for at least 1 minute. This crucial step allows a beautiful golden crust to form, sealing in the juices. After a minute, stir the chicken and continue to cook, breaking up any clumps, until it’s cooked all the way through and nicely browned on all sides, usually about 2-3 more minutes. Once the chicken is done, add the steamed broccoli back into the pan with the chicken, tossing gently to combine. Give your jar of prepared sauce one final, good shake to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom, then pour the sauce directly into the hot skillet. The sauce should immediately begin to sizzle and thicken as it hits the heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and coats all the ingredients beautifully. Turn off the heat and serve immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice for an incredibly satisfying meal!

Customizing Your Stir Fry: Can I Use Other Veggies with Broccoli?

Absolutely! This stir fry recipe is wonderfully versatile and welcomes other vegetables. Mushrooms, thinly sliced bell peppers (any color), or even julienned carrots would be delicious additions. If adding mushrooms, I recommend sautéing them with the onions before the garlic to allow them to release their moisture. For a delightful crunch and authentic texture, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed water chestnuts. Rinsed and drained baby corn also works exceptionally well, adding a subtle sweetness and visual appeal. Snap peas or snow peas are another fantastic option, offering a fresh pop and tender-crisp texture that complements the chicken and broccoli beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite stir fry vegetables!

Meal Prep Friendly: How Long Does Leftover Stir Fry Last?

You’ll be delighted to know that leftover stir fry often tastes even better the next day! This is because all the incredible flavors have more time to meld and develop, creating an even richer and more harmonious dish. This makes our Super Saucy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry an ideal candidate for meal prepping. If you enjoy batch cooking on the weekends, this recipe is perfect to throw together on Sundays, providing delicious and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

Craving More Takeout-Style Dishes to Make at Home? Try These!

If you loved the ease and flavor of this homemade chicken broccoli stir fry, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic takeout-inspired recipes you can easily recreate in your own kitchen for quick and delicious meals:

• 15 Minute Fried Rice: A super quick and versatile side or light meal.
• 20-Minute Chicken Teriyaki: Sweet, savory, and perfectly glazed chicken in a flash.
• Crazy Good Quick Garlic Noodles: Simple, addictive, and ready in minutes.
• Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry: A hearty and flavorful twist on classic ramen.
• Sweet and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and zesty side dish.
• Weeknight Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
• Thai Cashew Chicken: A delightful combination of crunchy cashews and tender chicken.
• Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs: Juicy meatballs coated in a sweet and savory sauce.