Chicken and broccoli is one of the most useful combinations in the fridge. They cook in the same time window, they work together across a wide range of flavour profiles, and broccoli doesn't go off before you use it (mostly).
Here are 15 dinners you can make with chicken and broccoli — most need nothing beyond basic pantry staples.
Under 20 Minutes
1. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
The classic. Sliced chicken breast, broccoli florets, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil. High heat, 15 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles. Add chilli if you have it.
2. Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheese Pasta
Cook pasta, pan-fry chicken with garlic, steam or roast broccoli, combine with cream cheese or cream, black pepper. 20 minutes. Genuinely good on a weeknight.
3. Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bowl
Pan-fry chicken, steam broccoli, serve over rice, add a sauce from the pantry — teriyaki, soy-ginger, sweet chilli, or just garlic butter. 20 minutes.
4. Garlic Butter Chicken with Broccoli
Sear chicken thighs in butter and garlic. Add broccoli in the last 5 minutes. Squeeze of lemon. Serve with rice or bread. One pan.
5. Broccoli and Chicken Noodle Stir-Fry
Any noodles (udon, rice, egg, soba), sliced chicken, broccoli, soy sauce, sesame, spring onion. 15 minutes.
25–40 Minutes
6. Chicken and Broccoli Curry
Fry onion, garlic, ginger. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli. Add chicken pieces and broccoli florets. Add water or coconut milk and simmer 25 minutes. Serve with rice. Broccoli takes a curry surprisingly well.
7. One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Toss chicken thighs and broccoli in olive oil, garlic, salt, and any herbs. Roast at 200°C for 30–35 minutes. Add parmesan in the last 5 minutes if you have it.
8. Chicken and Broccoli Frittata
Sauté chicken and broccoli in an oven-safe pan. Pour over whisked eggs, cook until half-set on the hob, then finish in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes. Works for dinner or lunch.
9. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
A classic comfort dish: chicken and broccoli in a simple white sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, baked at 200°C for 25 minutes. Serve with rice or bread.
10. Chicken and Broccoli Soup
Sauté onion, garlic, chicken. Add stock and broccoli, simmer 20 minutes. Blend partially for a creamy-chunky texture. Optional: add cream, cheese, or both.
Slightly More Involved
11. Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli and Rice
Marinate chicken in soy, mirin, and honey. Pan-fry or bake. Roast broccoli separately. Serve over rice. The teriyaki glaze does all the heavy lifting flavour-wise.
12. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce
Slightly different from #1 — this one's more sauce-forward. Add 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, a pinch of sugar. Thicken with a little cornflour if you have it.
13. Broccoli and Chicken Caesar Salad (Warm)
Grill or roast chicken, roast broccoli until lightly charred (better than steamed), toss with Caesar dressing and parmesan. Warm salad, 30 minutes.
14. Stuffed Chicken with Broccoli and Cheese
Make a pocket in chicken breast, stuff with blanched broccoli and cream cheese. Pan-sear, then finish in the oven. 35 minutes, impressive enough for a midweek treat.
15. Chicken and Broccoli Fried Rice
Day-old rice, diced chicken, broccoli cut small, eggs, soy sauce. High heat, 15 minutes. Best chicken-and-broccoli dish when you need to use leftover rice.
Making the Right Choice
The best dinner to cook depends on what else you have — not just the chicken and broccoli. If you have cream, make the pasta or soup. If you have rice, go for the stir-fry or curry. If you have eggs, the frittata uses everything up.
FridgeFirst works this out automatically. Tell it you have chicken and broccoli (and whatever else is in your fridge), and it picks the most appropriate meal — and generates a grocery list for anything missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the quickest dinner with chicken and broccoli?
A simple stir-fry with soy sauce and garlic takes about 15 minutes if you have cooked rice ready. Broccoli and chicken in garlic butter with rice is similarly fast.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes — for soups, curries, bakes, and stir-fries, frozen broccoli works well. It's often better than fresh broccoli that's past its best. Thaw slightly before stir-frying to avoid excess water.
What sauces go well with chicken and broccoli?
Soy sauce and garlic (Asian-style), teriyaki, oyster sauce, cream-based sauces, simple tomato, or a curry base all work. Broccoli is one of the most versatile vegetables in terms of flavour compatibility.
How do I stop broccoli from going mushy in a stir-fry?
High heat and short cooking time. Add broccoli in the last 3–4 minutes of a stir-fry and keep it moving. It should be bright green and tender-crisp, not soft and grey.