Teriyaki Meatballs – Sticky, Sweet & Better Than Takeout

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Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli – Quick, Healthy & Packed with Flavor!

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A classic Chinese-inspired stir fry bursting with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce — your new go-to weeknight dinner that’s ready in minutes!

If you’re craving a quick and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, this Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli is the answer. Juicy chicken breast pieces are tossed with crisp-tender broccoli, carrots, and onions, then coated in a glossy, umami-rich sauce that’s perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, and sesame. This one-pan dish brings together the essence of Chinese home-style cooking — fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor. It’s a healthy dinner that pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice.

One of the best parts about this dish is how convenient it is — especially since it uses frozen broccoli! No chopping, no waste, and it cooks perfectly crisp-tender in just a few minutes. Frozen vegetables are flash-frozen at their peak freshness, locking in nutrients and color, so you’re not sacrificing quality for convenience. This makes the recipe ideal for busy weeknights when you need something wholesome but quick.
Inspired by traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques, this dish combines the sweetness of carrots and onions with the savory depth of garlic, ginger, soy, and oyster sauce. Each bite delivers that comforting takeout-style flavor — all made in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber for a balanced, feel-good meal.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

  • Chicken breast → Lean, high-protein base that absorbs marinades quickly and stays tender when stir-fried.
  • Frozen broccoli → Convenient and nutrient-rich; saves prep time while keeping a perfect crisp texture when lightly steamed.
  • Garlic & ginger → Classic aromatics that infuse warmth, spice, and depth into the sauce.
  • Carrots & onion → Add natural sweetness and balance to the savory sauce.
  • Oyster sauce & soy sauce → Create that glossy, umami-rich base typical of Chinese-style stir fries.
  • Chinese cooking wine → Adds aroma and restaurant-style flavor.
  • Cornstarch → Thickens the sauce for that silky, coating texture.
  • Sesame seeds → Provide nutty flavor and a touch of crunch at the end.

Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes |Cook Time: 10 minutes |Total Time: 25 minutes |Cuisine: Chinese-inspired / Asian |Calories: ~320 kcal per serving |Servings: 4

πŸ“ Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 500 g (1.1 lb) frozen broccoli florets
  • 700 g (1.5 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • ½ onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, sliced diagonally
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water (for steaming broccoli)
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Marinade:

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp water

Stir Fry Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

πŸ‘¨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare broccoli:
    • Place frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup (60 ml) water.
    • Microwave for 3–4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Marinate the chicken:
    • In a bowl, combine chicken slices with cornstarch, salt, white pepper, oyster sauce, and water.
    • Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes. 

  3. Prepare vegetables and sauce:
    • Slice onion and carrot. 

    • In a small bowl, mix all stir fry sauce ingredients until smooth. 

  4. Stir fry:
    • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat (180°C / 355°F).
    • Add garlic, ginger, and onion. Stir fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add marinated chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

    • Add carrot and cook for 40 seconds. 

    • Add broccoli and stir fry for another 2 minutes. 

    • Pour in the stir fry sauce and cook for 50 seconds, or until thickened.
  5. Finish & serve:
    • Taste and adjust seasoning (add sugar or salt if needed).
    • Sprinkle sesame seeds and serve hot with steamed rice. 
       

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

  • Vegan option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegan oyster sauce (mushroom-based).
  • Gluten-free version: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Extra crunch: Add cashews or water chestnuts for texture.
  • Time-saving tip: Using frozen broccoli saves both prep and cleanup time — no need to chop or blanch.
  • Flavor boost: Drizzle a few drops of toasted sesame oil at the end for aroma and shine.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Can I use frozen broccoli directly in the stir fry?
Yes, absolutely! Microwave or lightly steam the frozen broccoli first for 3–4 minutes, drain well, and it will stir-fry perfectly without getting soggy.

Q2. Do I need to thaw frozen broccoli before cooking?
No, it’s best to cook it from frozen — just partially heat or steam it to remove excess water before stir frying.

Q3. How do I prevent frozen broccoli from becoming mushy?
Drain it well after microwaving or steaming, and stir fry over high heat quickly to keep it crisp.

Q4. Can I use other frozen vegetables?
Yes! You can add frozen peas, snap peas, or mixed stir-fry veggies for variety.

Q5. How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot.

Wrap-Up 

This Chicken Stir Fry with Frozen Broccoli is the ultimate quick and healthy dinner. It’s proof that frozen vegetables can deliver fresh, vibrant flavor without the fuss — perfect for weeknights when you want something wholesome, fast, and delicious.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! πŸ’›
Share your version in the comments below — or tag your creation on social media with @CookWithJuyea.

πŸ‘‰ Looking for another easy stir fry? Try my Pepper Beef Stir Fry next!

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