Some nights, the clock seems to sprint ahead while your stomach politely reminds you it’s dinner o’clock. That’s exactly when this high protein chicken and broccoli recipe steps in — quick, straightforward, and somehow always hitting the right spot. I remember one evening, juggling emails and the never-ending stream of texts, suddenly realizing the kitchen timer was ticking down and dinner wasn’t even started yet. The aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling in olive oil filled the room just in time, pulling me away from the screen. There’s something about the tender bites of chicken mingling with crisp broccoli that felt like a small win on a chaotic day. I don’t recall exactly how long I stared at the skillet, but the sound of the sauce thickening was oddly comforting, like it was telling me, “You got this.”
- It’s a quick dish, but still doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
- The balance of tender chicken and crunchy broccoli keeps things interesting — not mushy or dry.
- Simple ingredients come together for a meal you can feel good about without extra fuss.
- The sauce thickens just enough to cling to every bite, though sometimes it’s a little thinner if you’re not watching closely.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No overcomplicating, just a solid dinner.
If you’re wondering about leftovers, they hold up pretty well. I usually pop mine into a container and reheat gently on the stove. The broccoli does soften a bit, but the flavor deepens, which isn’t the worst thing when you’re craving comfort food later in the week.
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High Protein Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and nutritious high-protein meal featuring tender chicken breast and fresh broccoli, stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce for a flavorful and healthy dish.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the skillet. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Don’t worry about having fancy equipment; a sturdy skillet or wok works perfectly. I like to serve this with a little steamed rice or even toss it over some noodles if I’m feeling adventurous. Sometimes I swap out the broccoli for snap peas or add a splash of chili sauce for a little kick — it’s not always perfect, but that’s dinner for you. If you want to change things up, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lemon brightens it right up, though I haven’t tested those every time.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli? Sure, but fresh gives you that nice crisp texture. Frozen tends to get softer after cooking.
Is this dish spicy? Not usually, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Can I prep this ahead? You can chop everything beforehand, but I find cooking it fresh keeps the broccoli lively.
When you’re ready to dive into a meal that feels like a win after a busy day, give this high protein chicken and broccoli recipe a try — it might become your go-to weeknight lifesaver.