Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a healthier, budget-friendly alternative to ordering takeout, and it’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples. The sauce is packed with flavor, the chicken stays juicy and tender, and the broccoli provides the perfect crunch. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or satisfying cravings without leaving home. Plus, it’s customizable, naturally dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free or low-carb.

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

this Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
Broccoli florets
Garlic
Fresh ginger
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Chicken broth or water
Cornstarch
Brown sugar (or keto sweetener, optional)
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Cooked rice (for serving, optional)
directions
Slice the chicken thinly against the grain. In a bowl, toss the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
Steam or blanch the broccoli until bright green and slightly tender. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden and just cooked through.
Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the chicken.
Add the broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine and heat through.
Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and a gluten-free oyster sauce.
Low-carb option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce for heat.
Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
Swap the protein: Try shrimp, beef, or tofu in place of the chicken for variety.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon chilling—just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cornstarch-thickened sauce and broccoli texture.

FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw it before cooking and be mindful not to overcook it, as it softens quickly.

Do I need a wok for this recipe?
No, a large skillet works just as well. Just make sure it’s hot enough to sear the chicken properly.

What kind of chicken is best?
Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier, but breasts work great too for a leaner option.

Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and mix the sauce ahead of time, then cook everything fresh in under 10 minutes.

Is this dish healthy?
Yes, especially when made at home with less oil and sodium than takeout. You can also control sugar content or skip it entirely.

Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli is classic, but snow peas, carrots, or baby corn also work well.

What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a bit of brown sugar if needed, though it changes the flavor slightly.

How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch in the sauce helps thicken it. Be sure to simmer it long enough to activate the starch.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add chili oil, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to bring some heat.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 10–15 minutes helps tenderize the chicken and add flavor, but you can skip it in a pinch.

Conclusion
Homemade Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout is a flavorful, comforting classic that’s easy to recreate in your own kitchen. It’s quicker than delivery, customizable to your taste, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to ditch takeout and make it from scratch every time.

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