Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli come together in a savory sauce that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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. Step 1: 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. Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Stir to combine and heat through.
6. Step 6: Mix the cornstarch and water until smooth in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Step 7: If using, add rice vinegar and sugar for extra flavor and stir well to combine.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice while hot and enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty aroma, substitute vegetable oil with sesame oil.
• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and color.
• Marinate the chicken longer for a deeper flavor, but 10 minutes is enough for a quick meal.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water while reheating helps keep the sauce from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain frozen broccoli well before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.

Is oyster sauce necessary in this recipe?

Oyster sauce adds a savory depth, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce if needed, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews

A classic Chinese Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender chicken strips and crisp broccoli florets in a savory soy and oyster sauce. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal served over steamed rice.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

• 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)

Oils

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)

Other

• 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 to infuse flavor into the chicken.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Drain and set aside to maintain their crispness.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes 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 minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant to build the base flavor.
5. Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Stir well to combine and heat everything through evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken and broccoli. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, giving the dish a glossy finish.
7. Finish the Dish: Optionally, add rice vinegar and sugar for a touch of tanginess and sweetness. Stir well to fully integrate these flavors.
8. Serve: Plate the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice and enjoy this delicious, homemade Chinese stir-fry.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
• Adjust the sugar and rice vinegar quantities to suit your taste preference for sweetness and acidity.
• Using sesame oil instead of vegetable oil can add a nice nutty flavor to the dish.
• Ensure broccoli is not overcooked during blanching to maintain its crunch and vibrant color.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on serving size needs.

Keywords: Chinese chicken broccoli, stir-fry chicken, easy chicken stir-fry, healthy chicken recipes, Chinese main course