Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
If you have a hankering for something delightfully simple yet bursting with flavor, the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This classic stir-fry masterpiece balances tender, juicy chicken with crisp broccoli florets all drenched in a luscious, savory sauce that hits every note from sweet to umami. What’s truly wonderful about this dish is how approachable the ingredients and technique are, yet the final result feels like a restaurant-quality meal made with love right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the busy week ahead, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe delivers satisfying comfort and wholesome goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to making a dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Each element in this recipe has an important role, whether it’s for texture, aroma, or that perfect color contrast that makes the dish visually appealing. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand before you whip up this crowd-pleaser.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Opt for thin slices to ensure quick cooking and tender bites throughout.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and vibrant, broccoli adds a pleasant crunch and a pop of green.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Using oil with a high smoke point is key for stir-frying without burning.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, savory depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Fresh ginger brings a subtle zing and bright freshness that lifts the whole recipe.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: A foundation of umami, but with less salt to keep it balanced and heart-healthy.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, sweet-savory layer that’s essential to authentic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a gentle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that glossy finish you want coating every bite.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Slight sweetness to balance salty and tangy elements perfectly.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and adds additional savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A finishing touch that imparts a toasty aroma and flavor signature to Chinese cooking.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This mix is the heart of your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, depth, and luscious thickness. Set it aside so the flavors marry while you cook the chicken and vegetables.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thin slices of chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned on the outside and cooked through. This quick sear locks in juiciness, keeping each bite tender and flavorful. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Broccoli with Garlic and Ginger
In the same skillet, pour the remaining tablespoon of oil and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds to awaken their aromatic flavors without overpowering the dish. Then toss in your fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and let the broccoli steam gently for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—just enough to become tender yet maintain a satisfying crispness.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Give your sauce a quick stir to recombine any settled cornstarch, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Keep stirring continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens, beautifully coating every piece in glossy, rich flavor. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through, remove from heat—your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is ready to be savored!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions will add a lovely visual appeal and a subtle crunch. For a tiny hint of heat, a few red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top to awaken your taste buds. These simple touches can elevate the dish from everyday meal to something special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up that flavorful sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa. Stirred into warm noodles, the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe makes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this stir-fry in crispy lettuce cups for a refreshing, handheld option or spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist. You could also serve it family-style with chopsticks and small bowls for a fun and interactive dining experience that feels authentically Chinese but tailored to your home kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days without compromising flavor or texture, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep this flavor-packed dish longer, it freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen leftovers can be stored for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the broccoli might soften a bit upon thawing, but the taste remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or microwave until hot throughout, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to maintain that saucy consistency and keep the chicken moist and the broccoli crisp-tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and fiber-rich broccoli. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the sodium in check, and the quick stir-fry method preserves nutrients. It’s a wholesome alternative to takeout.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t your favorite or you want variety, snow peas, bell peppers, or even snap peas work wonderfully. They’ll bring a slightly different texture and sweetness but still complement the savory sauce nicely.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of Sriracha, or even some chopped fresh chili in the garlic and ginger step to give the dish a kick. It’s an easy way to customize the heat level to your liking.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
Including prep and cooking time, this recipe comes together in about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weekday dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe never fails to impress whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting homemade meal. The blend of juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and that irresistibly savory sauce creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s hard to beat. Give it a try—you’re going to love the simplicity, the taste, and how quickly it becomes one of your kitchen favorites.
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick and healthy stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory, flavorful sauce made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with a fast stovetop cooking method to deliver a satisfying Asian-inspired meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, chicken broth, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics and broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Steam the broccoli: Pour in 2 tablespoons of water, cover the skillet, and let the broccoli steam for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes tender but still crisp.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Stir the sauce once more and pour it over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce during cooking.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with snow peas or bell peppers for a different vegetable variation.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
