A fast weeknight stir fry featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a well-balanced soy–sesame sauce that thickens just enough to coat every bite. Ready in 30 minutes.
Cook Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside.
Cook Chicken: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Finish the Dish: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat. Return the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
Ginger substitution: Use 1 teaspoon ground ginger in place of 1 teaspoon fresh ginger. Add it directly to the sauce mixture.
Garlic substitution: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in place of 2 fresh cloves.
If the sauce thickens too much, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water to loosen it.
For best texture, do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken.