Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a beloved classic in Chinese-American cuisine. This dish combines tender chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory, flavorful sauce that’s both light and satisfying. It’s a quick and easy stir-fry recipe that brings the flavors of a Chinese takeout restaurant right to your home kitchen. With its healthy balance of lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

What makes Chinese Chicken and Broccoli so popular is its perfect blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. The chicken is cooked to perfection and coated in a sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, giving it a rich, depth-of-flavor profile. The broccoli adds a fresh and crisp texture that complements the tender chicken beautifully. Whether you’re craving a comfort food dinner or looking for a lighter option, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with additional vegetables or variations in the sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s healthier than the deep-fried options often found at restaurants. Follow this simple guide to make a homemade version of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli that’s full of flavor and will have your family coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean chicken, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is a nutritious meal that’s light but filling. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a delicious and hearty dish.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a fast and satisfying meal on busy nights. The stir-fry method ensures that the ingredients cook quickly while retaining their texture and flavor.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a savory sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly, making each bite bursting with flavor.
• Customizable: Whether you want to add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms, or tweak the sauce to your preferred sweetness or spice level, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your tastes.
• Takeout-Style Taste at Home: Skip the takeout and create your own Chinese-inspired dish at home, with better ingredients and a fraction of the cost. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can make in the comfort of your kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 14-16g
• Carbohydrates: 18-20g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Cooked rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients before you begin cooking. Thinly slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you haven’t done so already, cut the broccoli into small florets, ensuring that they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

You’ll also need to mince the garlic and grate the ginger. These aromatics will bring flavor to the dish. Make sure the chicken, vegetables, and seasonings are all ready to go, as stir-frying is a quick process.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. This mixture will form the base of your sauce. To ensure the cornstarch dissolves smoothly, add 2 tablespoons of water and whisk everything together until well combined. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce and give it a nice glaze as it coats the chicken and broccoli. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch.

3. Cook the Broccoli

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor) over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and are just tender but still have a slight crunch. You want the broccoli to maintain its texture and vibrant color, so be sure not to overcook it.

Once the broccoli is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. You’ll return the broccoli to the pan later, allowing it to absorb the sauce.

4. Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet or wok, add the sliced chicken and cook it over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden. Stir the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. If you notice the chicken sticking to the pan, add a little extra oil to help it along.

Once the chicken is browned and fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside with the broccoli.

5. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a small drizzle of sesame oil. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

If you like a little heat, you can add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this stage to give the dish a spicy kick. Stir everything together to allow the garlic and ginger to infuse the oil.

6. Combine the Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce

Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli in the garlic-ginger mixture.

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. The cornstarch in the sauce will help thicken it quickly, giving the chicken and broccoli a nice glossy coating. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to come together.

7. Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and everything is well-coated, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli immediately, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. This dish is delicious on its own or served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are a lean option, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer a richer taste, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.
• Blanch the Broccoli: If you want your broccoli to have an extra bright green color and tender texture, blanch it before stir-frying. To do this, drop the broccoli into boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then quickly transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help the broccoli retain its vibrant color.
• Customize the Sauce: If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more hoisin sauce or even a touch of brown sugar. For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili paste to the sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying requires a bit of space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If your pan is too small, it’s better to cook the chicken and broccoli in batches to ensure they cook properly and don’t steam.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish. If you have the option, always use freshly minced garlic and grated ginger rather than pre-packaged or powdered versions.
• Make It a Complete Meal: To turn this dish into a more substantial meal, serve it over cooked rice or noodles. The sauce will soak into the rice, making every bite more flavorful.

Variations of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Add More Vegetables: While broccoli is the classic vegetable in this dish, feel free to add others such as bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms. These vegetables will add more color and texture to the dish.
• Cashew Chicken and Broccoli: For an added crunch, toss in a handful of roasted cashews at the end of cooking. The nuts will add texture and a nutty flavor that complements the savory sauce.
• Spicy Chinese Chicken and Broccoli: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, chili paste, or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce. This will create a spicy version of the classic dish for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Garlic Sauce Version: If you prefer a garlicky version of this dish, simply increase the amount of garlic and skip the ginger. The garlic will shine through and give the dish an aromatic, savory kick.
• Chicken and Broccoli with Brown Sauce: Some versions of this dish use a slightly different sauce made with broth, soy sauce, and a little sugar to create a darker, richer sauce. You can replace the hoisin sauce with beef or chicken broth to make your own brown sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply heat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

If you want to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is delicious on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant jasmine rice is the perfect base for this dish, absorbing the savory sauce and adding a gentle aroma.
• Fried Rice: If you want something a little heartier, fried rice is a great option. The rice’s savory flavors and textures will complement the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
• Egg Rolls: Crispy, crunchy egg rolls are a great appetizer to serve alongside this dish. They add a delicious contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.
• Hot and Sour Soup: Start your meal with a bowl of hot and sour soup, which will add a warm, flavorful beginning to your Chinese-inspired meal.
• Chinese Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil makes for a perfect side dish that balances the richness of the chicken and broccoli.

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Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a simple yet delicious dish that delivers bold flavors and nutritious ingredients in every bite. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and healthier than takeout, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

By following the simple steps in this recipe, you can create an authentic-tasting Chinese-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a versatile and flavorful dish that will bring a taste of the East to your table.