Name: Skillet Chicken & Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ strips; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 3 Tablespoons brown sugar; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon ginger paste; 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch or xanthan gum, optional; 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 26 reviews

Meet your new weeknight hero: Skillet Chicken & Broccoli is the dish I turn to when I crave something cozy, vibrant, and lightning-fast without compromising flavor. Imagine tender strips of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that clings to every bite—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. This is takeout at home, only better, and it has become a steady favorite in my kitchen for good reason. Whether you’re new to the skillet game or an old pro, this Skillet Chicken & Broccoli recipe promises big flavor with minimal fuss.

Skillet Chicken & Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Skillet Chicken & Broccoli lies in its simple ingredient list—each item adds something essential, whether it’s a punch of flavor, a touch of crunch, or that perfectly silky sauce we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient deserves its place in the skillet.

Sesame oil: Infuses the entire dish with an unmistakable, nutty aroma right from the start.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken evenly and adds extra depth to the cooking base.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slices into perfect strips that cook up juicy and tender every time.
Broccoli florets: Bring a pop of color, crunch, and loads of nutrition to balance the dish.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and makes the sauce taste rich and satisfying.
Soy sauce: Delivers the deeply savory backbone that ties everything together.
Brown sugar: Provides a gentle sweetness that beautifully contrasts the salty soy.
Minced garlic: For that irresistible, aromatic kick that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Ginger paste: Brightens the whole meal with subtle heat and zingy freshness.
Cornstarch or xanthan gum (optional): Thickens the sauce to that coveted silky glaze, if desired.
Sesame seeds: A simple sprinkle for crunch and a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Skillet Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Heat Up the Skillet

Start by warming the sesame oil and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. That initial sizzle sets the stage, mingling nutty and fruity aromas for a mouthwatering base. The combination not only prevents sticking but also builds that signature flavor Skillet Chicken & Broccoli is known for.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add your chicken strips to the hot skillet and let them sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes, just until they’re cooked through and lightly golden. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep in the warmth—this keeps the meat juicy while you focus on the broccoli.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets into the empty skillet and cover, letting them steam over medium heat. This technique yields just-tender broccoli with a vibrant green color and crave-worthy crunch. Watch closely—no one likes overcooked broccoli!

Step 4: Whisk the Sauce

While the broccoli steams, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger paste in a small bowl. If you prefer a thick, clingy sauce, sprinkle in a bit of cornstarch or xanthan gum. The sauce will balance savory and sweet notes for the perfect Skillet Chicken & Broccoli finish.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it among the broccoli. Pour the sauce over everything and give it a good stir, making sure every bite receives a slick coating of those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve

Reduce the heat to low and let the Skillet Chicken & Broccoli simmer gently for a couple of minutes. This final step lets the flavors marry and the sauce glossy up to perfection. Finish with a generous shower of sesame seeds just before serving.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken & Broccoli

Garnishes

A simple scattering of sesame seeds over the finished dish adds both crunch and a beautiful visual contrast. For a restaurant-style flourish, try adding a handful of thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkling of red chili flakes for a gentle heat.

Side Dishes

Serve Skillet Chicken & Broccoli over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a bed of quinoa. The savory sauce pairs beautifully with noodles, too—a quick toss with rice noodles makes for an easy Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a bit different, try spooning the chicken and broccoli into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner. Or stuff leftovers into a whole wheat wrap with a dab of sriracha mayo for a lunchtime twist. However you serve it, Skillet Chicken & Broccoli always shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Skillet Chicken & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors intensify overnight, making a thoroughly satisfying next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for up to one month. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. For best results, freeze the broccoli and chicken with some of the sauce, as this helps everything reheat evenly and stay moist.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it and restore that beautiful, glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just steam the frozen broccoli in the microwave first, so it’s tender before you add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. It works like a charm and makes the recipe even quicker.

What protein can I substitute for chicken?

Skillet Chicken & Broccoli is delicious with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust cooking times as needed—shrimp cooks much faster, and tofu likes a little extra browning time for best texture.

How can I make the sauce gluten-free?

Simple swap: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check your chicken broth and cornstarch to make sure they’re gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Do I have to use brown sugar?

Not at all! You can substitute coconut sugar, honey, or any brown sugar alternative you prefer. Each brings its own subtle twist, but all will help you achieve that perfect sweet-salty sauce.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure to cut your chicken into evenly sized strips and avoid overcooking—five minutes is usually enough. Tenting the cooked chicken with foil while you steam the broccoli keeps it moist and ready for the final simmer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something that brings comfort, color, and flavor to your table in a snap, you owe it to yourself to make Skillet Chicken & Broccoli. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in heavy rotation, and I hope it brings as much joy to your weeknight dinners as it does to mine!