Irresistible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for Beginners

Whipping up a delectable chinese chicken and broccoli dish feels like culinary magic brewing in your kitchen.

Crisp green florets dance alongside tender meat in this classic comfort meal.

Home cooks adore this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Savory sauces infuse each bite with incredible depth and richness.

Marinating chicken beforehand guarantees maximum flavor absorption and succulent results.

Restaurant-quality goodness emerges from just a few pantry staples and minimal preparation time.

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Your Questions on Chicken & Broccoli

• What ingredients make the marinade special in this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe?

The marinade combines soy sauce for umami flavor, cornstarch for tenderizing the chicken, and sesame oil for a nutty aroma that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• How does marinating affect the chicken's texture?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb flavors, keeps it moist, and creates a tender texture by breaking down protein fibers through the cornstarch and soy sauce mixture.

• Why is sesame oil important in Chinese cooking?

Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor and aroma unique to Asian cuisine, providing depth and complexity to the chicken and broccoli dish that cannot be replicated by other oils.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu while keeping the same marinade technique to create a similar delicious stir-fry with your preferred protein.

Why Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Is a Weeknight Win

• Packed with lean chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential vitamins and minerals for your body.
• The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and marinated chicken creates a mouthwatering sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
• Using affordable ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and basic pantry staples, this recipe lets you enjoy a delicious Asian-inspired meal without breaking the bank or ordering expensive takeout.

What Goes Into Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs marinade flavors, best with sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness, low-sodium option works well.
• Cornstarch: Creates a silky coating that helps chicken stay juicy and tender.
• Sesame Oil: Adds rich, nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor.

• Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable that provides nutrition and texture, fresh florets are ideal.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor base for the dish.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy undertone and traditional Chinese cooking essence.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps with stir-frying and prevents sticking.

How to Make This Chinese Takeout Classic

Marinating The Chicken

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil

Slice the chicken into thin strips and add to the marinade. Gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken sit and absorb the flavors for 10 minutes.

Preparing The Vegetables

Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cool running water. Trim off the tough woody stems and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Peel and mince fresh garlic cloves and slice some ginger root into thin strips.

Heating The Wok

Place a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil and let it become shimmering hot. The oil should be almost smoking but not burning.

Cooking The Chicken

Carefully transfer the marinated chicken pieces into the hot wok. Spread them in a single layer to ensure proper browning. Let the chicken sear without moving for about 1-2 minutes to develop a golden crust.

Stir-Frying The Broccoli

Toss the chicken and continue cooking until it turns completely white and slightly golden. Push the chicken to one side of the wok. Add more oil if needed, then drop in the minced garlic and ginger.

Creating The Sauce

Add additional soy sauce, a touch of oyster sauce, and a splash of water or chicken broth. Stir everything together to create a glossy, rich coating for the chicken and broccoli.

Final Tossing And Serving

Mix the chicken and broccoli together, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles.

Tips to Keep Chicken Juicy and Sauce Flavorful

• Boost Flavor Depth: Use dark soy sauce for a richer, more intense umami taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect Chicken Texture: Slice chicken against the grain and pat dry before marinating to ensure tenderness and better sauce absorption.
• Prevent Broccoli Mushiness: Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water, then immediately shock in ice water to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken and broccoli.
• Maximize Aromatics: Quickly stir-fry minced garlic and ginger before adding chicken to release their essential oils and create a more complex flavor profile.

How to Keep Leftovers Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, then heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 3-4 minutes.
• Consume reheated dishes promptly. Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can degrade taste and texture. Discard if the chicken smells off or looks discolored.

What Goes Best With This Stir-Fry

• Pair this savory Chinese chicken and broccoli with jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the dish's rich umami notes.
• Choose a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the soy sauce's saltiness and cut through the chicken's richness with its slight sweetness.
• Add crispy vegetable spring rolls as a crunchy appetizer to provide a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender chicken and soft broccoli.
• Serve chilled green tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the meal's Asian-inspired flavors, offering a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Easy Swaps for a Fresh Twist

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Use fewer cornstarch or skip entirely to reduce carb content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into similar-sized pieces. Marinate plant-based protein using the same sauce mixture for a protein-packed vegetarian meal.
• Spicy Lover's Version: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños during stir-frying to boost the spice level.

Chinese Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Chinese Chicken and Broccoli delivers a perfect harmony of tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. Home cooks will savor this classic takeout-inspired dish that brings authentic Asian flavors right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cooked rice or noodles
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together marinade components in a mixing vessel, creating a harmonious blend of savory and aromatic flavors.
2. Introduce sliced chicken into the marinade, gently massaging to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated, then allow to rest and absorb flavors for a brief 10-minute interlude.
3. Prepare a wok or large skillet by heating it to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
4. Drizzle a thin layer of cooking oil across the hot surface, allowing it to shimmer and spread evenly.
5. Strategically place marinated chicken pieces into the heated pan, arranging them to maximize contact with the cooking surface.
6. Sear chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, developing a delectable caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
7. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preventing overcooking.
8. In the same pan, introduce broccoli florets, stirring rapidly to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
9. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, releasing their aromatic essence throughout the vegetables.
10. Reintroduce seared chicken to the pan, combining all elements with precision.
11. Pour remaining marinade and additional sauce ingredients, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
12. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a final touch of visual and culinary sophistication.
13. Serve immediately over steamed rice, presenting a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Marinate chicken briefly to enhance tenderness and allow flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Use high heat when stir-frying to create a delicious caramelized exterior on chicken while maintaining juicy interior.
• Choose fresh broccoli with vibrant green color and crisp texture for maximum nutritional value and appealing presentation.
• Customize spice levels by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy extra heat in their Chinese-style dishes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg