Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that feels satisfying yet nourishing, this Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Tender crumbles of seasoned ground chicken mingle with crisp-tender broccoli florets in a glossy garlic-ginger sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting. Every bite delivers warmth, texture, and bold flavor — without weighing you down.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just one skillet and a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a balanced, high-protein meal in under 30 minutes. The chicken soaks up the rich stir fry sauce while the broccoli stays vibrant green with lightly charred edges, adding both visual appeal and a satisfying crunch.
Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone focused on clean eating, this recipe is naturally high in protein and loaded with fiber. It’s ideal served over rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or spooned into meal prep containers for the week ahead.
Estimated Calories: ~380 per serving
Protein: ~35g per serving
Key Ingredients for Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together to create bold, balanced flavor.
Ground Chicken (1½ lbs) – Lean, high-protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
Fresh Broccoli Florets (4 cups) – Adds crunch, fiber, and vibrant color while balancing the richness of the chicken.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Essential aromatic that infuses the dish with savory depth.
Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) – Adds warmth and subtle spice that brightens the sauce.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (⅓ cup) – Provides umami-rich saltiness without overpowering the dish.
Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Adds savory complexity and a slightly sweet undertone.
Honey (1 tablespoon) – Balances saltiness with gentle sweetness.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Brings acidity to keep flavors lively and balanced.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon) – Adds nutty aroma and authentic stir fry flavor.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) – Thickens the sauce so it coats every bite.
Chicken Broth (½ cup) – Keeps the stir fry juicy and helps create a silky sauce.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (1 tablespoon) – Used for sautéing and achieving golden browning.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional) – Adds gentle heat for spice lovers.
Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances overall flavor.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds subtle warmth and balance.
Green Onions (2, sliced) – Fresh garnish that adds brightness and crunch.
Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon, optional) – Adds texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This stir fry comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to prep all ingredients before you begin cooking.
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and set aside. This glossy sauce will thicken as it cooks and coat the chicken beautifully.
2. Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Look for golden edges and no pink remaining. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them — they should smell aromatic and slightly sweet.
4. Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. If needed, add 2 tablespoons of water and cover for 1 minute to lightly steam and soften.
The broccoli should have vibrant color and slightly charred edges while maintaining a firm bite.
5. Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. The mixture should look glossy and slightly sticky.
If you prefer extra heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes at this stage.
6. Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Let the stir fry rest for 2–3 minutes before serving so the sauce settles and thickens slightly more.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
This ground chicken and broccoli stir fry is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a classic and comforting approach, spoon the stir fry generously over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice. The warm grains soak up the savory sauce, creating a perfectly balanced bite in every forkful. You can also drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the top for a boost of flavor and aroma.
If you’re looking to keep things lighter, serve this dish over cauliflower rice or inside crisp lettuce cups for a fresh and low-carb alternative. The cool crunch of lettuce contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory chicken mixture. For an interactive dinner, set up a “build-your-own bowl” station with toppings like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, avocado slices, chopped peanuts, and chili sauce.
This stir fry also pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes such as steamed edamame, miso soup, or a light Asian-style cucumber salad. Whether plated elegantly for guests or scooped straight into meal prep containers, this dish adapts easily to your needs while maintaining its bold, comforting flavors.
Storage + Meal Prep
One of the best parts about this ground chicken and broccoli stir fry is how well it holds up for leftovers. Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For meal prep, divide the stir fry into individual containers alongside rice or quinoa. Keeping grains separate helps maintain the best texture, but they can also be stored together for convenience.
To freeze, place cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. While broccoli may soften slightly after thawing, the flavor remains delicious.
To reheat, microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its silky consistency.
Freshen up leftovers with a squeeze of lime, extra green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a just-cooked feel.
Conclusion
This Ground Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry proves that healthy dinners can be both simple and incredibly satisfying. With lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it delivers bold flavor without heaviness. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to crave again and again.
Whether you’re focusing on high-protein meals, planning weekly meal prep, or simply looking for a wholesome dish your whole family will enjoy, this recipe checks every box. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice level — cooking should always reflect your personal taste.
Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
