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
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
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
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
Set Chicken Aside
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside while you cook the vegetables.
Time: PT0M
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of White Rice: Brown rice, quinoa
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Cauliflower florets, Snow peas
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives, Leeks
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Firm tofu
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of White Pepper: Black pepper
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Red Chili Flakes: Sriracha, Fresh chopped chili
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil, Olive oil (less authentic)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free), Coconut aminos
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder, All‑purpose flour (less thick)
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
- Rice Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Bowl for Slurry
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a very hot wok for a true stir‑fry sear; it locks in juices.
- Add a few drops of rice vinegar at the end for a subtle brightness.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin after adding slurry
Add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) and stir until thickened.
Broccoli is overcooked and mushy
Stir‑fry broccoli for a shorter time or add a splash of water and cover for 1 minute to steam lightly.
Chicken is dry
Do not over‑cook; brown quickly on high heat and finish cooking in the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store chicken and broccoli stir‑fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep cooked rice separate.
Freezer: Freeze the stir‑fry (without rice) in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet; add a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice ahead of time and store refrigerated; reheat in microwave or steam.
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry in advance and keep chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and broccoli stir‑fry in Asian cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken and broccoli in Chinese cuisine?
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.
How is chicken and broccoli traditionally served in Chinese households?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken and broccoli commonly associated with in Chinese culture?
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.
What makes this chicken and broccoli recipe special compared to other Asian stir‑fry dishes?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken and broccoli stir‑fry?
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.
Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the sauce?
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.
Can I make this chicken and broccoli stir‑fry ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken and broccoli stir‑fry is done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Matt Santos specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Matt Santos' approach to Asian‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






