Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s a well-balanced meal, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it with steamed rice to create a complete dish that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. The simplicity of this recipe makes it an easy weeknight favorite, while the flavorful sauce adds that delicious Chinese restaurant-style touch.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Toss to coat evenly, and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• Make the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

• Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• Cook Chicken: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink.
• Add Garlic and Ginger: Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Broccoli

• Return Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli back to the skillet with the chicken and stir everything together for about a minute to combine.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

• Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
• Thicken the Sauce: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Serve

• Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
• Serve: Serve the dish hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Slice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Sauce: Modify the soy sauce and oyster sauce to suit your taste. Add extra sugar or honey for a sweeter sauce.
• Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures the chicken sears properly and the broccoli stays crisp.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture.
• Beef and Broccoli: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef and follow the same instructions.
• Shrimp and Broccoli: Use shrimp instead of chicken. Cook until pink and opaque before following the steps.
• Spicy Chicken and Broccoli: Increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices for a spicier kick.
• Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli: Add honey to the sauce for a sweet and savory twist.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
  • Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist.

Conclusion

This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. It’s quick, nutritious, and delicious, with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your cooking rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade meal that’s as satisfying as it is tasty!

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine Chicken and Broccoli:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Stir to combine and heat through.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Finish the Dish:
   • If desired, add rice vinegar and sugar for extra flavor. Stir well to combine.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice. Enjoy!