If you’ve ever ordered chicken and broccoli stir fry from your favorite Chinese restaurant and wished you could recreate that glossy, savory magic at home — this recipe is for you. This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Chinese Takeout Style) delivers tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich garlic-soy sauce that tastes just like your favorite takeout — but fresher, healthier, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This easy stir fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving comforting homemade Chinese chicken without the extra cost or wait time. Best of all, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together quickly in one pan.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best chicken and broccoli stir fry at home.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ready in about 25 minutes
Healthier than restaurant takeout
Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
Perfect for meal prep
Customizable with different vegetables or proteins
Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

The secret to achieving that authentic Chinese takeout style flavor lies in three things: proper marinating, high heat cooking, and a well-balanced sauce.

What Makes It “Chinese Takeout Style”?

Authentic restaurant-style chicken and broccoli stir fry has a few defining characteristics:

The chicken is incredibly tender and silky.
The sauce is glossy and perfectly thickened.
The broccoli stays vibrant green and crisp-tender.
The flavor balances savory, slightly sweet, and umami notes.

We recreate this at home by lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch, cooking it quickly at high heat, and using a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this easy stir fry recipe:

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir Fry:

3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

Optional garnish:

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 10–15 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add broccoli and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the pan. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nearly cooked through.
Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return broccoli to the pan.
Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry Every Time

1. Slice Chicken Thinly

Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender. Cut against the grain for the best texture.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper searing.

3. Use High Heat

High heat is essential for that authentic stir fry flavor and texture.

4. Prep Everything First

Stir frying happens fast. Have all ingredients ready before turning on the stove.

Variations You’ll Love

Add More Vegetables

Try adding:

Bell peppers
Snow peas
Carrots
Mushrooms

Make It Spicy

Add:

Red pepper flakes
Sriracha
Chili garlic sauce

Swap the Protein

You can substitute:

Shrimp
Beef strips
Tofu for a vegetarian option

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and broccoli stir fry pairs beautifully with:

Steamed white rice
Brown rice
Jasmine rice
Fried rice
Lo mein noodles

For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own.

Storage and Meal Prep

This dish stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though broccoli texture may soften slightly after thawing.

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade Chinese chicken dish is:

High in protein
Packed with fiber from broccoli
Lower in sodium than most restaurant versions
Customizable for gluten-free diets (use gluten-free soy sauce)

Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, making this quick weeknight dinner both delicious and nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but fresh broccoli gives better texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Why is my sauce not thickening?

Make sure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding and allow it to simmer briefly.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Chinese Takeout Style) proves that you don’t need to order out to enjoy bold, satisfying flavors. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce, this easy stir fry recipe delivers everything you love about Chinese takeout — but in a healthier, fresher, and more affordable way.

Once you try this homemade Chinese chicken recipe, it may just become your new go-to quick weeknight dinner.