Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

This is a stir-fry at its simplest: strips of chicken and broccoli cooked with plenty of garlic and a pinch of chili flakes, served over brown rice.

It uses so few ingredients that it works even when the pantry is nearly bare. It’s part of our week of dinners from 10 ingredients.

Dinner is ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients and Swaps

• Chicken: Breast, sliced into thin strips so it cooks in minutes.
• Broccoli: Fresh florets. Frozen works. Skip the added water.
• Garlic: Five cloves. It’s the main flavor.
• Chili flakes and paprika: For warmth and color.
• Soy sauce: Not required, but a splash at the end adds a lot if you have it.

Tips for a Simple Stir-Fry

• Slice the chicken thin. Partly freezing it for 20 minutes makes it easier to cut.
• Cook the chicken first. Brown it, then set it aside so it doesn’t overcook.
• Steam the broccoli in the pan. A few tablespoons of water and a lid make it crisp-tender in 3–4 minutes.
• Add the garlic late. It burns quickly over high heat.

Prices are from Walmart’s and ALDI’s websites for stores in Columbus, Ohio, checked in October 2026. Ohio’s grocery prices are within about 1% of the national average, so you may pay more or less depending on where you live, and prices change often. Here’s how we price our recipes.

Cost: Ingredients – $6.97 from Walmart, $6.57 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.64 to $1.74

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Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Tender chicken strips and crisp-tender broccoli stir-fried with lots of garlic and a pinch of chili flakes. Simple, clean, and better than takeout.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1¼ pounds chicken breast sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cups cooked brown rice for serving

Method

 

1. Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken 5–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the remaining oil and the broccoli. Stir-fry 2 minutes, then add the water, cover, and steam 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Uncover, add the garlic and chili flakes, and stir 1 minute.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and toss. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve over brown rice.

Notes

• Add a splash of soy sauce if you have it (not part of the 10 ingredients).
• Toss in cherry tomatoes at the end for color.
• Ground turkey works as a swap.
• Double the garlic if you love it.

How to Serve It

Over brown rice or noodles. For a saucier stir-fry, try Honey Soy Chicken Stir-Fry, or toss this one with Easy Sesame Ginger Sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water until hot.

Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Your Questions

Can I add a sauce?

Yes. Stir together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and ¼ cup of water, pour it in at the end and simmer for a minute.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. They take a minute or two longer and stay juicier.