Healthy Chicken and Broccoli in 20 Minutes

Healthy Chicken and Broccoli in 20 Minutes is a easy Asian recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Matt Santos on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $6.00 total, $2.00 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup White Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets (cut into large florets)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (separate whites from green tops; whites used in cooking, tops for garnish)
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless; cut into 1" x 1" cubes)
  • 1 tsp Salt (regular table or kosher salt)
  • ½ tsp White Pepper (ground)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑heat oil for stir‑fry)
  • ½ tsp Red Chili Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 Tbsp Honey (light honey works best)
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for slurry; mix with water before adding)
  • 2 Tbsp Water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice

    Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer to the rice cooker, add 1¼ cups water, and start the cooking cycle.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Vegetables and Chicken

    Cut broccoli into large florets. Separate green onion whites from the green tops. Slice the chicken breast into 1" x 1" cubes and toss with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp white pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Stir‑Fry the Chicken

    Heat the wok over high heat, add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, then add the seasoned chicken cubes. Stir‑fry 2‑3 minutes per side until the pieces are nicely browned but not fully cooked through.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: high heat

  4. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside while you cook the vegetables.

    Time: PT0M

  5. Sauté Broccoli and Green Onion Whites

    In the same wok, add a splash more oil if needed, then add the broccoli florets. Stir‑fry for 3‑4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Add the green onion whites and cook for another minute.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: high heat

  6. Combine Chicken and Sauce Ingredients

    Return the chicken to the wok. Sprinkle ½ tsp red chili flakes, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil, add the green onion tops, then pour in 2 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 Tbsp honey. Toss everything together to coat.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  7. Thicken the Sauce

    In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1‑2 minutes. Turn off the heat.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Sprinkle 1 tsp sesame seeds and the remaining green onion tops over the stir‑fry. Serve hot over the cooked white rice.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
8g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free if tamari is used, Low‑Fat, High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Soy (soy sauce), Sesame (oil and seeds), Honey

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Healthy Chicken and Broccoli in 20 Minutes

Recipe by Matt Santos

A quick, healthy, and flavorful chicken and broccoli stir‑fry that comes together in under 30 minutes. Served over fluffy white rice, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal‑prep. The sauce combines soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and a touch of red chili flakes for a balanced sweet‑spicy glaze.

EasyAsianServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.00
Total cost
$2.00
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning the chicken evenly with salt and white pepper
  • Browning the chicken quickly over high heat
  • Making and incorporating the cornstarch slurry to achieve the right sauce thickness

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter—use a splatter guard or keep face away from the pan.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and broccoli stir‑fry in Asian cuisine?

A

Chicken and broccoli stir‑fry is a staple of modern Chinese‑American home cooking, blending Chinese stir‑fry techniques with Western-friendly ingredients like broccoli, which became popular in the U.S. after World War II when Chinese immigrants adapted recipes to locally available produce.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and broccoli in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cooking, the dish often uses oyster sauce and ginger, while in Sichuan versions you’ll find more heat from dried chilies and peppercorns. The Matt Santos version uses soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for a sweet‑spicy balance.

cultural
Q

How is chicken and broccoli traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot over steamed white rice as part of a family‑style meal, accompanied by other vegetable and protein dishes, allowing diners to enjoy a balanced plate of protein, veg, and carbs.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken and broccoli commonly associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not a festive dish, it is a go‑to everyday family dinner and is also popular for lunchboxes and meal‑prep for busy weekdays, reflecting the Chinese value of quick, nutritious home‑cooked meals.

cultural
Q

What makes this chicken and broccoli recipe special compared to other Asian stir‑fry dishes?

A

Matt Santos’ version adds honey for a subtle sweetness, red chili flakes for gentle heat, and a quick cornstarch slurry that gives the sauce a glossy, restaurant‑quality finish while keeping the overall prep under 30 minutes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken and broccoli stir‑fry?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sears the chicken, overcooking the broccoli, and adding the cornstarch slurry too early, which can cause a gummy texture. Follow the critical steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the sauce?

A

Cornstarch thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clear, glossy sauce without the cloudiness that flour can add. It also cooks faster, keeping the total cooking time under 30 minutes.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken and broccoli stir‑fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the stir‑fry up to the thickening step, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken and broccoli stir‑fry is done?

A

The chicken should be golden‑brown on the outside and fully cooked inside, while the broccoli remains bright green and slightly crisp. The sauce should coat the ingredients with a glossy sheen and be thick enough to cling without pooling.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Matt Santos specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Matt Santos focuses on quick, healthy, and approachable home‑cooking videos that emphasize meal‑prep, balanced nutrition, and easy techniques for busy cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Matt Santos' approach to Asian‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Matt Santos blends classic Asian stir‑fry methods with Western-friendly ingredients and time‑saving shortcuts, such as using a rice cooker and a simple honey‑soy glaze, making the dishes accessible without sacrificing authentic flavor.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Maple Chicken, Broccoli and Mashed Potatoes
15

Maple Chicken, Broccoli and Mashed Potatoes

Slightly caramelized chicken breast with maple syrup, glazed with a reduced sweet vinegar and chicken stock sauce, served with steamed broccoli and a creamy mashed potato. A recipe inspired by Quebec products, simple yet full of flavor.

1 hr 20 minServes 2$11
Quebec
Chicken Broccoli Quiche
18

Chicken Broccoli Quiche

A flavorful quiche combining tender chicken, lightly blanched broccoli florets and a rich egg cream, all in a crispy shortcrust pastry. Ideal for lunch or dinner, served with a green salad.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$13
French
Healthy Chicken Tenders with Honey Chili Aioli
39

Healthy Chicken Tenders with Honey Chili Aioli

Crispy baked chicken tenders marinated in pickle juice, coated with a rosemary‑infused breadcrumb mix, and served with a sweet‑spicy honey chili aioli. A quick, protein‑packed meal that's healthier than fried chicken but still satisfies cravings.

1 hr 8 minServes 4$8
American
High Protein Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bok Choy
21

High Protein Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bok Choy

A meal‑prep friendly, high‑protein lemon chicken served with blanched broccoli, bok choy, and fluffy basmati rice. The bright lemon‑soy glaze coats bite‑size chicken thighs and pairs perfectly with the simple sautéed veggies. Makes five ready‑to‑go containers that keep for up to 4 days in the fridge or 4 months frozen.

1 hr 17 minServes 5$16
Asian Fusion
Healthy High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice
25

Healthy High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Fried Rice

A high‑protein, meal‑prep friendly honey garlic chicken fried rice that turns boring chicken and rice into a flavorful, nutritious main dish. Crispy day‑old rice, sweet‑savory sauce, and tender chicken come together in one skillet for a quick, satisfying meal.

45 minServes 4$8
Asian
Trending Healthy Waterless Chicken Soup
45

Trending Healthy Waterless Chicken Soup

A comforting, light yet rich Filipino‑style chicken soup that requires no added water. The chicken releases its own juices while napa cabbage, apple, ginger and onions provide natural broth, creating a sweet‑savory, clean‑flavored soup perfect for rainy days.

2 hrs 3 minServes 4$12
Filipino