I’ve made this Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli more times than I can count, and it never fails to deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those dependable weeknight meals that comes together quickly but still feels satisfying and colorful on the plate. The juicy, tender strips of chicken soak up a garlicky, savory sauce, while the broccoli stays vibrant and crisp-tender. I love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice, but you could just as easily enjoy it solo or with noodles.

What makes this stir fry shine is its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or complicated techniques—just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and the right sequence. The balance of flavors between the chicken, garlic, and crunchy vegetables makes every bite addictive. If you’re new to stir-frying or just want a solid recipe that always delivers, this dish is a great place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli

Quick to cook – It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy and balanced – Lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and satisfying carbs.
Great for meal prep – It stores and reheats well.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies or use tofu for a vegetarian version.
Family-friendly – Mild but flavorful, perfect for both kids and adults.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this stir fry, I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and soak up the garlic sauce beautifully. They also slice into tender strips easily, making them perfect for a fast stir fry. However, if you prefer a juicier bite, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent choice too—they’re more forgiving and don’t dry out as fast if slightly overcooked.

No matter what cut you use, it’s important to slice the chicken thinly and evenly so it cooks quickly and at the same pace as the vegetables. I like to cut mine against the grain to keep it tender.

Options for Substitutions

Making this Garlic Chicken Stir Fry work for different preferences or dietary needs is super easy. Here’s how you can adapt it:

Chicken substitute: Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even shrimp for a pescatarian version.
Low-carb version: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or serve the stir fry on its own.
Vegetables: While broccoli is classic, you can toss in bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
Sauce tweaks: Add a splash of sesame oil for depth, or some chili flakes or Sriracha if you want heat.
Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

The base of this dish is flexible, which makes it ideal for using up whatever’s in your fridge.

Ingredients for This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli

Each ingredient in this dish plays a specific role in building flavor, texture, and balance. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken breast or thigh – The protein centerpiece of the dish. Sliced thin for quick, even cooking.
Broccoli florets – Adds crunch, vibrant color, and a nutritious bite. Stir fries love broccoli!
Red bell pepper – Offers sweetness and contrast to the savory elements. Also brightens the dish visually.
Garlic – The star of the flavor show. Fresh minced garlic infuses the oil and sauce with aromatic depth.
Soy sauce – Brings umami and saltiness to the dish. It’s the base of the stir fry sauce.
Honey or brown sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the savory and make the garlic pop.
Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce slightly and give it that glossy, restaurant-style coating.
Vegetable oil – Neutral oil for high-heat cooking. Ensures everything sears properly.
Cooked white rice – The perfect canvas to soak up all that savory garlic sauce.

These simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, create a stir fry that’s full of flavor and texture without feeling heavy.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing the chicken into thin, bite-sized strips—this helps it cook quickly and stay tender. Cut the broccoli into small florets and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Mince the garlic finely so it blends well into the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), a splash of water, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth. This simple sauce brings that beautiful glossy finish and rich flavor when it hits the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until the veggies are just tender-crisp and brightly colored. Don’t overcook—you want that crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and stir well, allowing it to bubble and thicken for a minute or two until everything is glossy and coated.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the stir fry over a bed of hot rice and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if you like a bit of freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and vibrant.

How Long to Cook the Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli

The total cooking time is just about 15–20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s the general breakdown:

Searing chicken: 4–5 minutes
Cooking vegetables: 3–4 minutes
Simmering with sauce: 1–2 minutes
Prep time: Around 10 minutes (chopping, mixing sauce)

By the time you’ve prepped everything and let the rice cook, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes total.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli

High heat is your friend: Stir fry needs a hot pan to sear quickly and lock in flavor.
Don’t crowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed so it browns instead of steaming.
Prep everything first: Stir fry is fast—having your ingredients chopped and ready is essential.
Use fresh garlic: It’s the foundation of flavor in this recipe. Avoid the jarred kind for best results.
Thicken the sauce just right: Once it bubbles, stir for 1–2 minutes until it clings to the ingredients with a glossy sheen.
Rice matters: Fluffy, freshly cooked white rice (or day-old rice if you prefer a slightly firmer texture) completes the dish.

With these tips in mind, you’ll get a stir fry that’s better than takeout, every single time.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple stir fry like this can go sideways with a few missteps. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Overcrowding the pan: This leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small.
Undercooking the broccoli: While you want it crisp-tender, it still needs enough heat to break down that raw bite.
Overcooking the chicken: Thin pieces cook fast—take them off the heat as soon as they’re no longer pink.
Not prepping ahead: Stir fry moves fast. If your ingredients aren’t chopped and ready, things can burn quickly.
Skipping the sauce thickener: That little bit of cornstarch makes the sauce cling to each bite—don’t leave it out.

What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli?

1. Spring Rolls

Crispy, veggie-filled spring rolls make a great crunchy side and appetizer.

2. Asian Cucumber Salad

A cool, tangy cucumber salad adds contrast and freshness to the warm stir fry.

3. Miso Soup

Light and savory, miso soup balances the dish without being too heavy.

4. Fried Rice

If you want to skip plain rice, a side of egg fried rice with peas and carrots works beautifully.

5. Steamed Dumplings

Soft dumplings filled with veggies or meat are a fun and filling addition.

6. Kimchi

Fermented cabbage adds heat, acidity, and crunch—especially great if you like bold flavors.

7. Edamame with Sea Salt

Simple, protein-packed, and easy to prepare—edamame makes for a clean, light starter.

8. Sesame Noodles

Cold or warm, these noodles tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce make a comforting complement.

Storage Instructions

This Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli stores beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the stir fry and rice together or separate depending on preference.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot throughout.

For best results, avoid freezing the broccoli if you prefer it crisp—it softens quite a bit upon reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate based on one serving of the recipe (assuming it serves 4):

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg

These values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of soy sauce, oil, and rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding to the stir fry so it doesn’t water down the sauce or steam instead of stir-frying.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Slice it thin and cook it quickly over high heat. Also, don’t overcook it—pull it out of the pan as soon as it’s cooked through.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just be sure to cook the chicken and veggies in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Double the sauce, too!

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice is ideal. For a healthier twist, brown rice or quinoa also work well.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can easily make it spicy by adding chili flakes, Sriracha, or a splash of hot sesame oil.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, especially if you’re short on time. Just add it in during the final step and heat it through with the sauce.

How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

When it bubbles and starts to coat the spoon or spatula, it’s ready. This usually takes 1–2 minutes after adding it to the pan.

What’s the best pan to use?

A wok is traditional and excellent for heat distribution, but a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works just as well if preheated properly.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Stir Fry with Rice and Broccoli is one of those recipes that proves weeknight dinners can be flavorful, fast, and nourishing. It checks all the boxes—simple ingredients, bold taste, balanced nutrition, and easy cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping lunches for the week, or just looking for a satisfying meal without the fuss, this dish delivers every time.

Now that you know the ins and outs, it’s time to grab your pan and get cooking. You won’t regret adding this one to your rotation!