Paleo Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry That’s Fast, Clean, and Full of Flavor

Paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry is everything you want from your favorite takeout dish, made clean and simple for real-life weeknights. It’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and completely grain-free. This version uses fresh garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos to bring that classic umami taste without soy or added sugar. Whether you’re eating paleo, doing Whole30, or just looking to avoid processed ingredients, this recipe is a fast favorite. Today, we’ll look at why this stir fry is such a hit in my kitchen, how to prep it like a pro, and why your family will ask for it again.

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Why This Paleo Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Is Always in My Rotation

A comfort food makeover that started in my home kitchen

I’m Jake, a 39-year-old home cook living in rural Pennsylvania. I’m not a chef, just a guy who cares about feeding his family well. A few years back, my wife and I took on a 30-day paleo challenge to reset our habits and see how we felt. We ended up with more energy, clearer focus, and fewer cravings for the heavy stuff we used to rely on. One of those cravings was Chinese takeout, especially the classic chicken and broccoli stir fry.

That craving is exactly what inspired this paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry. I needed something fast and flavorful that didn’t include soy sauce, sugar, or any processed oils. I swapped in coconut aminos, used arrowroot to get that perfect saucy texture, and kept the garlic and ginger front and center. From the very first try, it hit all the right notes. It gave me that warm, familiar comfort without leaving me feeling weighed down.

Quick enough for weeknights, tasty enough for seconds

This paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry quickly became a go-to in our weeknight lineup. It’s a 30-minute meal, which makes it ideal when life is flying and the kids are already asking what’s for dinner. I prep everything ahead, then let the skillet do its magic. The chicken turns golden, the broccoli stays tender-crisp, and the sauce coats every bite just right.

It also checks all our boxes: no grains, no dairy, and no added sugar. It’s full of protein and nutrients, and my kids actually get excited when it hits the table. That’s rare when broccoli is involved. I like to serve it over cauliflower rice or pair it with paleo pizza roll ups when we want a full takeout-style spread. Paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry may have started as a craving fix, but now it’s a staple that never fails us.

How to Prep the Perfect Paleo Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

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Start with simple ingredients that actually taste good

When I make this paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry, I stick to the basics. Chicken thighs are my first pick because they stay juicy and cook up with more flavor than breasts. That said, breasts are totally fine if that’s what you have. Just slice them nice and thin so they cook evenly. I toss the chicken in arrowroot flour with some garlic powder, sea salt, and a splash of coconut aminos. It’s quick, and it gives the chicken a little crispness when it hits the pan.

The sauce uses just a few pantry staples. I mix bone broth, coconut aminos, a bit of sesame oil, and arrowroot to thicken it up. It comes together fast and gives you that rich, savory flavor without soy sauce or cornstarch. For the broccoli, I don’t overthink it. I microwave it with a little water for a couple of minutes. It stays bright and doesn’t turn to mush later.

If you’re trying to eat more veggies without making a big fuss, lemon herb chicken is another dinner I come back to all the time.

Don’t overcook it and you’re golden

This isn’t the kind of meal where you want to multitask. Once the heat goes on, stay with it. Get your skillet hot first. Then toss in the chicken. Let it sit for a bit so it browns, flip it, and finish cooking. When it’s done, take it out and set it aside.

Now add your garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Cook them for about a minute, just until you catch the smell. That’s when you know it’s time. Toss in the broccoli and chicken, pour in the sauce, and stir everything together. The sauce thickens almost right away. Don’t walk off or check your phone. If it cooks too long, the broccoli turns soft and the chicken dries out.

I usually pile this over cauliflower rice and top it with the green scallions. It’s quick, it tastes like comfort food, and it checks all the paleo boxes. When I want something just as easy with a different vibe, I go for these lettuce-wrap tacos. They never let me down.

Sauce Secrets and Stir Fry Technique That Bring It All Together

A sauce that’s simple and actually tastes like takeout

If this paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry didn’t have a solid sauce, it wouldn’t be worth making. This one hits just right. It’s got that salty-sweet thing going on, but without any soy, sugar, or weird thickeners. All I use is coconut aminos, a bit of sesame oil, chicken bone broth, and some arrowroot to thicken. Stir it all together before it hits the pan, and you’re good to go.

Coconut aminos bring a mellow saltiness with a little natural sweetness. Bone broth gives it depth, and arrowroot makes it nice and glossy without getting gummy. Want it spicier? A pinch of chili flakes works. Or a quick dash of hot sauce if you’re into that. I’ve used this same sauce in a few other meals too. It works great in dishes like paleo orange chicken or even as a glaze on roasted carrots.

Stir fry fast and keep things moving

The key with any stir fry is speed. Once your pan is hot, things move quickly. You don’t want to stop and read instructions mid-cook. I sear the chicken first and get it golden. Then I take it out so it doesn’t overcook while I build flavor with garlic, ginger, and scallions.

Next, I add the broccoli and toss the chicken back in. The sauce goes in last. The second it hits the pan, I start stirring. It thickens in no time, and if you wait too long, the broccoli gets soft and the chicken dries out. Just cook it long enough to coat everything, then kill the heat.

I like to serve this with cauliflower rice and a sprinkle of scallions. It’s good on its own, but if we want more variety, I’ll add a side like these paleo pizza roll ups. It feels like a full takeout spread, but we know exactly what’s in it.

Serving Ideas and Easy Customizations for Any Night of the Week

Make it your own with easy swaps

The best part about paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry? It’s hard to mess up. You don’t need to follow everything perfectly. I’ve made this with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, even shrimp once when that’s all I had. As long as the pieces are cut small, they’ll cook quick and stay tender.

Veggies? I usually go with broccoli, but I’ve thrown in mushrooms, snap peas, and leftover greens too. It all works. If you’re craving something a little sweet, pineapple adds a nice touch. Want more heat? A little chili or red pepper flakes does the trick. This is one of those meals you just kind of feel out as you go. That’s why I make this paleo stir fry so often.

If shrimp’s more your thing tonight, garlic shrimp with cauliflower grits is another easy win. It comes together fast, and it’s full of flavor.

Keep it simple, serve it how you like

We usually serve this chicken and broccoli stir fry over cauliflower rice. It’s easy, takes just a few minutes, and soaks up all the sauce. Some nights I’ll toast it up in a pan with a bit of avocado oil and garlic if I’m not rushing. You could also throw this stir fry over zoodles or a bed of roasted sweet potatoes. There’s no wrong answer.

If I know it’s going to be a hectic day, I’ll prep everything the night before. Slice the chicken, cut the broccoli, whisk the sauce, and stash it in the fridge. When it’s go time, dinner’s ready in under ten minutes. Leftovers? Just warm it up in a skillet and crack an egg on top. That’s lunch.

If I know it’s going to be a hectic day, I’ll prep everything the night before. Slice the chicken, cut the broccoli, whisk the sauce, and stash it in the fridge. When it’s go time, dinner’s ready in under ten minutes. Sometimes I prep a second meal as well, like these paleo chorizo meatballs. They have a little heat and make a solid lunch or dinner later in the week. Leftovers? Just warm it up in a skillet and crack an egg on top. That’s lunch.

If you’ve got kids at the table or want a side that feels a little more familiar, my paleo chicken nuggets with coconut are always a win. They’re simple to make and totally clean.

If you’re into planning ahead or want dinners ready to grab and go, check out my easy paleo freezer meals. We lean on them all the time when life gets busy.

A Few Final Thoughts

This paleo chicken and broccoli stir fry is one of those meals I don’t have to think about. It’s fast, it fills you up, and it tastes good every single time. I’ve made it with different meats, different veggies. It always works.

If you’re new to paleo or just want something that feels like comfort food but still keeps things clean, start here. It’s simple, flexible, and full of flavor ; one of those meals that just works. We make it all the time, and it always hits the spot.

That’s it. Let me know how yours turns out. I’m always curious how folks make it their own.

People Usually Ask Me About Paleo Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry