Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a flavorful and healthy dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or swap vegetables to suit your taste.
  • Better Than Takeout: Enjoy the same delicious flavors without extra oil or preservatives.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • Broccoli florets
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Cornstarch
  • Chicken broth
  • Brown sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Vegetable oil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetable Mix: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and texture.
  • Protein Options: Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Slice the chicken thinly against the grain and don’t overcook it. You can also marinate it in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for extra tenderness.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

Try hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a dash of sugar.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your oyster sauce for gluten-free labeling.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! It reheats well, making it great for meal prep.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust to taste. You can also dilute the sauce with extra chicken broth.

What other vegetables work well in this dish?

Try mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn for added variety.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, then add it to the stir-fry.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Slice it thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and a plant-based oyster sauce alternative.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table. It’s healthier and faster than takeout, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for meal prepping. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade Asian-inspired meal in just 25 minutes!

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Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A quick and easy stir-fry recipe that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the chicken:

    • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • For the sauce:

    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
    • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
    • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry)
  • For the stir-fry:

    • 3 cups broccoli florets
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
    • 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
    • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
    In a bowl, mix the chicken slices with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or while you prep the other ingredients).

  • Make the Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

  • Cook the Chicken:
    Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

  • Cook the Broccoli:
    In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Add a splash of water and cover the pan to steam the broccoli for 1-2 minutes.

  • Combine & Sauce It Up:
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over everything, stirring well to coat. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

  • Garnish & Serve:
    Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.


Notes

  • For extra crunch, add water chestnuts or bell peppers.
  • Prefer spice? Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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