One Pot Recipes

Chicken and Broccoli (One Pot)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Quick and easy chicken and broccoli recipe, inspired by Chinese flavors and made with simple ingredients on stovetop. It’s a simple weeknight meal and requires just one pot and 30 minutes.

Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

This meal has been on my dinner plan rotation for at least a year now. That says something, because I have a hundreds recipes up my sleeve I can use. It’s just that my whole family loves it, especially my kiddo. Plus it beats takeout in cost and flavor. In fact I like to make many similar restaurant favorites at home for a better, healthier version that often costs less. Some family favorites include Steak Fajitas (One Pot), Ground Beef Tacos (One Pot), and Best Spaghetti and Meatballs (One Pot).

Key ingredients

  • Oil– You need both sesame oil and olive oil for best flavor.
  • Chicken– I like to use chicken breasts cut into cubes.
  • Spices– Use minced garlic and ginger, salt and pepper, and red chili flakes, if desired.
  • Soy sauce– I suggest using low sodium so that your dish isn’t too salty.
  • Chicken broth– Adds flavor and moisture.
  • Vinegar– Adds a bit of tanginess.
  • Brown sugar– To mildly sweeten the dish.
  • Broccoli– You can use either fresh or frozen.
  • Garnish– Use sesame seeds and whatever else is desired on top.

Variations

  • Instead of chicken broth– You can use vegetable broth or water.
  • Brown sugar can be replaced- With honey, but it really alters the overall flavor and I don’t recommend it.
  • Chicken and broccoli pasta– By adding 2 cups of cooked pasta in the pan at the end and mixing everything together.
  • Use a crockpot or slow cooker– By dumping all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cooking on low for  3 hours.
  • Adjust spices- The red chili flakes are optional and you can adjust according to personal preference. If cooking for children, use less. This goes for the garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper, too.
  • Use cauliflower- Instead of or alongside of the broccoli.
  • Make it into a casserole- By adding cooked rice and this recipe in a 9×13 pan, then bake in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. It will be similar to this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (One Pot).

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

How to make chicken and broccoli recipe on stovetop?

  1. Heat oil- And stir fry chicken until golden brown.
  2. Mix in- The rest of the ingredients.
  3. Cook without lid– Until liquid is thickened.

What to serve with stir fry?

Tips and techniques

  • Use a non-stick pan– To prevent any sticking and burning.
  • Don’t omit sesame oil– Because it adds a lot of flavor and fragrance to the overall recipe.
  • Use low sodium broth and soy sauce– To prevent the meal from becoming too salty.
  • Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used– But frozen is so much faster and easier. If you are using fresh broccoli, you have to blanch it first.
  • If sauce becomes too thick– Add a little water to thin it out.
  • If sauce is too thin– Cook it for longer without the lid until liquid is reduced to the desired consistency.
  • Don’t add too much cornstarch– Because that will make the sauce very weird and “rubbery.”
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Recipe FAQs

Is this good for you?

This recipe is fairly healthy because there are no preservatives, food colorings and artificial sweeteners. It’s made with simple, fresh ingredients.

What is Chinese brown sauce made of?

Soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, ginger, garlic, broth, and cornstarch.

Storage

  • Refrigerate– Place in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze– Place in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat– Throw it in the microwave or reheat it on the stove top.
  • Make ahead- Cool then place in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

More Chicken Recipes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.80 from 5 votes
Rate this Recipe »

Chicken and Broccoli

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Quick and easy chicken and broccoli recipe, inspired by Chinese flavors and made with simple ingredients on stovetop. It’s a simple weeknight meal and requires just one pot and 30 minutes. 
Yield: 2 Servings

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Pour sesame oil and olive in a non-stick pan and heat it over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and cook until golden brown. 
  • Add ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, red chili flakes (optional), soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch and mix everything together. 
    Tip: Mix broth and cornstarch together in a cup and add that mixture into the pan to prevent any “cornstarch lumps” from forming. 
  • Add broccoli and mix again and let everything cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and liquid is reduced to your desired consistency. 
  • Garnish with sesame seeds, if you like. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Read all my tips above.
  • If you are using fresh broccoli, there is an additional step: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 5 minutes. Then transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to to stop it from continuing to cook. 
  • Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 59g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 3742mg, Potassium: 1597mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 1200IU, Vitamin C: 168.4mg, Calcium: 139mg, Iron: 3.7mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 568
Author: Abeer

11 comments on “Chicken and Broccoli (One Pot)”

  1. Such a great way to enjoy broccoli! Definitely must try this!

  2. Looks delicious! A perfect weeknight meal!

  3. One pot meals are such a life saver on busy nights! Great meal and less clean up!

  4. I love the flavors in this dish! This is right up my alley!

  5. One pot dinner for the win!

  6. Totally don’t have to order take-out now!

  7. This is so good! We’ve made this a handful of times (even twice in one week)and everyone loves it. We make exactly as it’s written. 

  8. Is it white vinegar that is used? Thank you.

  9. We love this recipe!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating