Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry in 30 Minutes
Craving a weeknight meal that’s as flavorful as takeout but faster and healthier? This Chinese Sweet and Sour Stir Fry with broccoli and chicken is about to become your new go-to. Busy moms will love that it’s ready in just 30 minutes, while kids will enjoy the crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The colorful vegetable stir fry adds freshness, and the homemade sauce makes it taste better than any takeout order.
It’s the perfect balance of quick, delicious, and wholesome—ideal for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
The best part? This one-pan stir fry dinner keeps cleanup simple and gives you room to play around with extra veggies or even a twist on the sauce.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this sweet and sour broccoli chicken stir fry brings everyone to the table with smiles. Let’s dive into why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
This sweet and sour chicken stir fry checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner. It’s quick, colorful, and incredibly family-friendly. The homemade sweet and sour sauce has the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, coating tender chicken and fresh broccoli.
- Easy to Make — Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients make it approachable.
- Family-Friendly — The sweet and tangy flavor is loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile — Swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or pineapple chunks for variety.
- One-Pan Dinner — Everything cooks in a skillet, saving time on cleanup.
- Better Than Takeout — Skip the restaurant bill and enjoy this fresh, homemade version.
Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
What makes this quick chicken broccoli dinner so irresistible is the perfect balance of simple ingredients.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs — The star protein, juicy and tender when stir-fried.
- Broccoli Florets — Adds crunch, color, and nutrition to the skillet stir fry.
- Bell Peppers — Optional but add sweetness and a pop of color.
- Onion and Garlic — Create the savory foundation for flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce — A mix of tangy vinegar, sweet pineapple juice, and savory soy for that classic Chinese flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry — Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken and veggies.
Want exact measurements and a printable recipe card? Scroll to the bottom for all the details you need!
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Instructions to Make Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
Making this homemade sweet and sour stir fry is easier than you think.
- Prep the Chicken — Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and lightly coat with cornstarch for crisp edges.
- Cook the Chicken — Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Veggies — Toss in broccoli (and bell peppers if using) for a colorful vegetable stir fry.
- Make the Sauce — Whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for a quick homemade sweet and sour sauce.
- Combine and Coat — Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, simmer briefly, and let it thicken to glossy perfection.
Dinner is ready in 30 minutes flat!
Entree Tips and Tricks
- Prep ingredients ahead—chop broccoli, peppers, and chicken early for faster assembly.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; keep it slightly crisp for the best stir fry texture.
- Double the sauce if you like extra to drizzle over rice or noodles.
Troubleshooting Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
- Sauce too thin? Simmer longer or add a touch more cornstarch slurry.
- Chicken not crisping? Make sure the pan is hot before adding chicken.
- Too tangy? Stir in a bit of honey or sugar to balance flavors.
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Recommended Resources
Make sure you have the right tools to bring this easy Chinese stir fry recipe to life! Here are my top picks:
- Nonstick Wok or Large Skillet — Perfect for high-heat stir frying without sticking.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife — Makes prepping chicken and veggies a breeze.
- Glass Mixing Bowls — Ideal for whisking sauces or tossing ingredients.
Customizing this Entree Recipe for Every Diet
This sweet and sour broccoli chicken stir fry is flexible enough to adapt to your needs.
- Vegetarian — Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh.
- Low-Carb — Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Gluten-Free — Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Extra Veggie Boost — Add carrots, zucchini, or snap peas for more crunch.
Making a Meal Out of Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
Turn this quick chicken broccoli dinner into a complete meal by pairing it with sides.
- Main Dish Pairing: Egg rolls or potstickers.
- Salad: Asian slaw with sesame dressing.
- Side: Fried rice or garlic noodles.
- Drink: A refreshing citrus iced tea or a sparkling mocktail.
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!
Recipes with Chicken
Love cooking with chicken? Try these other easy dinner recipes:
FAQs about Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Leftovers make a great topping for fried rice, a filling for lettuce wraps, or even a quick lunch served over noodles.
Sweet and Sour Broccoli and Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon of oil (coconut sesame olive,
- or vegetable oil)
- ½ Cup(s) red or yellow onion diced
- ½ Cup(s) celery diced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 clove of garlic chopped
- 1 Cup(s) bell pepper julienne strips mixed red yellow, & orange
- 1 Cup(s) carrots sliced or shredded
- 1 Cup(s) broccoli florets either frozen or fresh
- ¼ Cup(s) sweet and sour sauce I used Kikkoman Sweet & Sour Sauce
Instructions
- Cube chicken into desired chunks and set aside.
Heat oil, over low heat (I used TyLing Naturals Pure Sesame Oil, because that is what I had in my pantry. )
Add onion & celery, and cook until tender, stirring often.
Add sesame seeds and chopped garlic, stir to mix together, turn up heat to med-hi, and add chicken.
Stir-fry until chicken is thoroughly cooked, then add bell pepper strips, carrots, broccoli florets, and sweet and sour sauce. Stir and turn down heat to low.
Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until vegetables are soft and tender.
*I add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth, if it begins to get a bit dry while cooking.
Nutrition
More Recipes Like Sweet and Sour Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
If you loved this better-than-takeout chicken recipe, try these family-friendly favorites:
This sweet and sour broccoli chicken stir fry proves that quick dinners can be just as satisfying as takeout. Save this recipe for your next weeknight meal, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll thank you for this one-pan, flavor-packed dish!
