Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl with Rice and Broccoli
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy–Medium
Description
This Sweet & Savory Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl brings together tender chicken pieces, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice—all coated in a glossy sauce that balances sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of tang. It’s a fast weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-quality and uses simple ingredients already in most kitchens. Great for meal prep, customizable, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Vegetables
1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sweet & Savory Sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional; makes it sweeter)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tsp sesame oil
For the Rice
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (jasmine recommended)
Garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds
Green onions
Chili flakes or sriracha for heat
Timing Breakdown
Task Time
Prep ingredients 10 minutes
Cook rice 15–20 minutes (or use leftover rice)
Stir-fry chicken 6–8 minutes
Cook broccoli 3–4 minutes
Combine & finish 2 minutes
Total 35–40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
Rinse 1 cup uncooked rice until water runs clear.
Cook according to package directions (usually 2 cups water per 1 cup rice).
Fluff with fork and keep warm.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Honey/brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Oyser + hoisin (if using)
Cornstarch
Water
Sesame oil
Set aside. It will thicken later when heated.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add sliced chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil.
Add onion (if using), garlic, and ginger. Sauté 30–45 sec.
Add broccoli and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
If using frozen broccoli:
Cook covered for 2 minutes to let steam soften it.
5. Combine & Sauce It
Return chicken to the pan.
Pour sauce over everything.
Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating.
6. Assemble the Bowls
Layer:
Cooked rice
Sweet & savory chicken + broccoli
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes.
Tips & Variations
Veggie Options
Snap peas
Bell peppers
Carrots
Mushrooms
Protein Swaps
Shrimp (cook 2–3 minutes per side)
Tofu (pan-fry until crisp)
Beef strips
For More Sweetness
Add 1 extra tbsp honey or pineapple chunks.
For More Savory Depth
Add 1 tsp fish sauce or extra oyster sauce.
To Make Spicy
Stir in sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—but thaw completely before cooking so it browns correctly.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check that oyster/hoisin sauces are GF.
Q3: How do I meal-prep this dish?
Store rice and stir-fry separately in airtight containers for 4 days. Reheat in microwave with a splash of water.
Q4: What if my sauce is too thick?
Stir in 1–2 tbsp water until it reaches desired consistency.
Q5: Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—this recipe is great with extra sauce for soaking into rice.
Q6: Can I air-fry the chicken instead?
Yes. Toss chicken with a little oil, cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10–12 minutes, then mix into the stir-fry.