If you’ve ever craved a home-cooked meal that feels both nourishing and bursting with flavor, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful harmony of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that wraps everything up in a delicious embrace. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned cook, this dish brings that classic takeout charm right into your kitchen, promising a satisfying and wholesome dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy brightness of fresh broccoli to the punch of garlic and ginger, these essentials come together for a perfect balance in every bite.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Using thin slices ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays tender throughout.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh florets provide a vibrant green color and crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil ideal for high-heat stir-frying, helping to lock in flavors and keep ingredients from sticking.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a punch of savoriness that’s absolutely essential.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Delivers a warm, slightly spicy zing that brightens every bite.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, umami-rich backbone of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complex flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: To help dissolve the cornstarch smoothly and avoid clumps.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lightly seasons the dish with a gentle heat.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Creates a silky sauce base and prevents the dish from drying out while cooking.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce blend is where all the magic happens—the perfect balance of savory and sweet that will eventually coat every morsel of chicken and broccoli.
Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
Mix the cornstarch with water in a separate bowl to create a smooth slurry. This simple step is key for thickening the sauce without overpowering the flavors or texture.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Then, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This quick sauté releases their essential oils, infusing the dish with warmth and depth.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s fully cooked and beautifully tender. Don’t rush this part; getting the chicken just right ensures every bite stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Remove Chicken and Cook Broccoli
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the broccoli for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and just crisp, keeping that satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in your sauce mixture. Stir everything together so the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated with the savory goodness. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer—this melds the flavors while softening the broccoli slightly.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken to a perfect glaze, clinging lovingly to each ingredient. At this point, your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is ready to shine!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions on top brightens the dish visually and adds a touch of extra flavor and texture. These simple garnishes make the presentation pop and offer a fresh contrast with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice, soaking up every bit of sauce. If you prefer something different, try serving it with noodles for a total comfort-food vibe that’s perfect for any night.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in lettuce cups to add a crisp, refreshing element. Alternatively, pile it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, making the dish ideal for different dietary preferences while keeping the flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when refrigerated overnight, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but due to the broccoli’s texture, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to life without losing its flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic here, snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn can make delicious additions or substitutes, adding their unique crunch and sweetness.
What cuts of chicken work best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking time, but chicken thighs also work beautifully if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep your dish plant-based while still full of flavor.
How can I make the sauce less salty?
Reduce the soy sauce slightly or use a low-sodium version. Balancing the saltiness with a little extra sugar or oyster sauce can also smooth out the flavors.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can chop all the ingredients and prepare the sauce in advance, then cook just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a heartwarming classic that’s both simple and satisfying, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends on a weeknight. Its vibrant flavors, ease of preparation, and wholesome ingredients make it a go-to favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A classic Chinese Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner served with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Sauces & Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper together. Set this mixture aside to develop flavor.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Set aside to thicken the sauce later.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromas.
- Cook Chicken. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Set Chicken Aside. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook Broccoli. In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry the broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green but remains crisp and tender.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce. Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir well to evenly coat the chicken and broccoli with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Broth and Simmer. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes as the sauce begins to thicken and meld with the ingredients.
- Thicken Sauce. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken to a glossy consistency that clings nicely to the chicken and broccoli.
- Serve. Remove from heat and serve the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli hot, ideally paired with steamed rice or your choice of noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Cut chicken thinly and uniformly for even cooking.
- Do not overcook broccoli to maintain its crunch and vibrant color.
- You can add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor.
- If desired, adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar quantity to taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
