Ever try to fix up a weeknight dinner and suddenly, your brain just… stalls? Chicken and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce Recipe to the rescue, seriously. It’s quick, everyone eats it, and the flavor—oh man, don’t get me started. Plus, you can keep things healthy or jazz it up. And if you love easy chicken dishes, check out this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for another no-fuss winner. Whether you wanna skip the gluten or hide extra veggies for picky kids, this go-to stir fry has you covered.

Making Chicken and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce

Okay, let’s get right to it, because I’m already drooling. First things first: grab chicken breast (or thighs—I’m not picky), broccoli, fresh garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of cornstarch. That’s the backbone right there. Basically, you start by chopping everything up, but not to the point where it turns into mystery meat.

Get your pan rippin’ hot—nothing sadder than soggy chicken, trust me. Toss in the chicken, brown it good, then throw in the broccoli. Let it get all green and lively. The garlic sauce? Super simple: mix up garlic, soy sauce, a little sugar (don’t argue, it’s crucial), and cornstarch in some water. Pour that in, stir till it thickens, and boom! Smells incredible, huh? I swear, sometimes I wish I could bottle up that kitchen smell.

The best thing? This dish is forgiving—you can’t mess it up unless you burn everything to bits. Be brave, really pile on the garlic if you want to. Serve it all up, hot and shiny.

Variations and Substitutions for Chicken and Broccoli

If you’re like me—constantly swapping stuff in recipes—here’s the good news: this one is versatile (maybe too easy to tweak). Don’t have broccoli? Use bell peppers, snap peas, or even some carrot slices. Makes it colorful, right?

For gluten-free folks, just pick up gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. There’s barely any taste difference. You can lean out the dish by skipping the sugar or subbing honey. Tofu also works instead of chicken, and yes, I did try it, and nobody kicked me out of the dinner table.

Want it spicier? A squeeze of sriracha or toss in red chili flakes. I’ve even swapped in shrimp during one sad “oops no chicken” day, and honestly? Not bad at all. Customizing is half the fun.

“This recipe saved my Tuesday dinners. My kids ask for ‘the garlicky chicken’ now. Never thought broccoli could disappear so fast!”

Tips for Cooking Perfect Chicken and Broccoli

Alright, here’s where I spill my secrets, maybe embarrass myself a little. First: pre-cut your chicken into thin pieces—big chunks just don’t soak up much flavor. Dry the pieces well before frying, so they get that lovely golden thing going.

Another tip? Don’t crowd the pan. I’ve done it and wow, regret tastes like rubbery chicken. Let the broccoli barely cook through for crunch (unless you like it mushy, but…why). The garlic? Smash it with the back of your knife first, then chop. More flavor, less effort.

Sometimes I prep the sauce in advance and stash it in the fridge, so everything just comes together fast. Oh—and always taste as you go. The sauce is very forgiving, but still. Otherwise you end up making faces over your dinner, and we don’t want that.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s be honest, sometimes what you serve this with depends on how much time (or patience) you’ve got. Here are a few ideas when you need a nudge:

White rice, jasmine is classic, but hey, use what you got.
Over noodles—spaghetti works in a pinch too, no shame.
Pile it inside lettuce wraps if you want it gluten/free or low-carb.
Add a quick side, like this copycat Din Tai Fung cucumber salad recipe for a fresh crunch.

Nutritional Information

I get asked a lot, “Is this actually healthy?” Good news: it can be! Chicken and broccoli are naturally lean and packed with protein, vitamins, all that good jazz. The biggest “watch-out” is the sauce. Soy sauce has sodium, and if you add sugar, that counts too.

If you want to cut calories, use less oil and swap full-sugar for a lower-sugar option. Also, watch for hidden gluten, if needed. The dish fills you up without making you feel bleh afterward which, let’s be real, is kind of important when you’re cooking at home.

Common Questions

How do I keep chicken tender?
Slice thin, cook hot and fast. Don’t leave it in there too long! Gets tough in no time.

Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce?
Yes, but for best taste, freeze the chicken and broccoli separately from the garlic sauce. Combine them when reheating.

What veggies work besides broccoli?
Try bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Basically, whatever’s rolling around in your crisper drawer.

Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats like a champ, and I actually like it better the next day—the garlic deepens, somehow.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Add more cornstarch for thick, less for thin. You can always splash in extra water if it gets too gloopy.

Give This Comfort Food Classic a Go Tonight!

Seriously, Chicken and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce is a weeknight hero. Every family’s got that “keeper” dish—this is mine, hands down. Whether you like it spicy, mild, big batch or small, just toss it into your rotation. And feel free to check out Chicken & Broccoli in Garlic Sauce – The Table Of Spice or the folks at Chicken and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce – Host The Toast for more spicy spins.

If you crave a different pasta night, don’t skip this pesto langostino zucchini and pasta recipe—it’ll surprise you, big time. Now, go raid your fridge and make this garlic sauce legend. I’ll be cheering you on from my own little kitchen!

Chicken and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce

Author: mrrachidmohssine
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin pieces
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons water
Oil for frying

Instructions

Heat a pan over high heat and add oil.
Add the chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in the broccoli and cook until bright green.
In a bowl, mix garlic, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Pour the sauce into the pan, stirring until it thickens.
Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, slice chicken thinly and don’t overcrowd the pan. Customize with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, broccoli, garlic sauce, quick dinner, stir fry