Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe: Quick and Easy Dinner Delight

Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. One dish that has always captured my taste buds is Chinese Chicken and Broccoli. This savory stir-fry combines tender chicken with crispy broccoli, enveloped in a flavorful sauce. It is a popular choice for weeknight dinners, and many people search for this recipe to recreate the delightful taste of their favorite Chinese takeout at home.

In this article, you will learn how to make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli from scratch, right in your kitchen. I will guide you through every step, from marinating the chicken to achieving the perfect sauce. You will also discover tips, ingredient swaps, and variations to match your taste. By the end, you will have a delicious dish ready to impress family and friends.

For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Why Make This Recipe

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is not just tasty; it has numerous benefits that appeal to a wide range of cooks. First, the flavor combination of tender chicken and fresh broccoli strikes a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet. The sauce is rich yet simple, making it easy to whip up.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare. Many people worry about spending too much time in the kitchen. With Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, you can have the whole dish ready in about 30 minutes. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

The ingredients are accessible and versatile. Most are likely already in your pantry. If you’re missing something, swaps are easy. For instance, if you don’t have shaoxing cooking wine, you can use dry sherry or skip it entirely. This recipe is perfect for quick dinners after a long day or even for meal prep on Sundays.

If you are looking for a healthier option compared to takeout, this recipe fits the bill. You can control the amount of sugar and salt, making it lighter and fresher.

If you love stir-fry recipes, check out our guide on Beef and Broccoli for more inspiration.

How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Making Chinese Chicken and Broccoli involves several steps, but they are straightforward.

Start by marinating the chicken. This step is crucial for building flavor. Combine 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of shaoxing cooking wine, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bowl. Add your sliced chicken and coat it well. Try to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, an hour in the fridge will deepen the flavors.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix ⅔ cup of soy sauce, ⅔ cup of water, 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2½ tablespoons of cornstarch. This mixture will create a sticky, caramelized sauce. To enhance the flavor, add 1½ teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, which gives the dish a lovely nutty aroma.

Now it’s time to cook. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is brown and cooked through, flipping once. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of browning it.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Next, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the broccoli becomes vivid green but still retains some crunch.

Finally, return the chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. This step ensures that every piece of chicken and broccoli is coated in the flavorful sauce.

To ensure the best result, remember not to overcook the broccoli. You want it to retain its bright color and crunch.

Ingredients

• 20 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast (cut into ¼ inch slices (about 2 chicken breast))
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing cooking wine
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less)
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
• ⅔ cup soy sauce (light sodium)
• ⅔ cup water
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 pound broccoli (cut into florets (about 1 crown))
• 1½ tablespoons garlic (minced (about 4 cloves))
• 1½ tablespoons ginger (minced (about a 1½ inch knob))

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this dish. The chicken is the protein base, while the broccoli adds essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch creates a glossy sauce that envelops the chicken and broccoli, ensuring every bite is flavorful. For the best results, use high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables.

If you want to explore more chicken dishes, check out our extensive chicken recipes for ideas.

Directions

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of shaoxing cooking wine, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
2. Add the chicken slices to the bowl and mix until thoroughly coated.
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, combine ⅔ cup of soy sauce, ⅔ cup of water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 2½ tablespoons of cornstarch.
2. Add 1½ teaspoons of toasted sesame oil to the mixture and stir until smooth.

Make the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
5. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

For perfect results, always start with a hot pan. This helps to sear the chicken and keep it juicy while ensuring the broccoli stays vibrant.

How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Serving Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is simple. The dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. For an extra layer of flavor, try drizzling sesame oil on top just before serving. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

The texture of tender chicken mixed with crisp broccoli balances perfectly in every bite. This dish is versatile enough to be served for family dinners or special occasions. You can easily double the recipe if you have guests.

If you want to round out the meal, consider serving a light soup as a starter or a refreshing cucumber salad on the side.

How to Store Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Storing your leftovers is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated throughout.

Always check the temperature when reheating to ensure it reaches at least 165°F to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Tips to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

To elevate your dish, here are some advanced tips. First, marinate your chicken overnight if you have the time. This enhancement increases flavor absorption. For added texture, try incorporating water chestnuts or snow peas into the stir-fry for extra crunch.

Consider adding a touch of oyster sauce to the mixture for a deeper umami flavor. You can also personalize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha when stirring in the sauce.

Using a wok instead of a skillet can help distribute heat evenly and add a slight char, which gives the dish an authentic taste.

Variation

If you want to experiment, consider these variations.

1. Add more vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work well.
2. Change the protein: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for seafood lovers.
3. Spicy version: Incorporate sliced chili peppers or sriracha for a kick.
4. Different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

Each variation allows you to create a dish that suits your taste preferences.

FAQs

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a wonderful recipe to add to your culinary repertoire. It is simple, quick, and adaptable to various tastes. You can easily nurture your family while controlling the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to takeout.

For more in-depth recipes and inspiration, consider exploring Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) or try the simple version from Chinese Chicken and Broccoli (easy!). Additionally, for richer flavor options, you may want to check out Chicken and Broccoli from The Woks of Life.

Now, get ready to impress your family with this delicious dish!

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: issam-blogger
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and easy stir-fry recipe featuring tender chicken, crispy broccoli, and a flavorful sauce.

---

Ingredients

• 20 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast (cut into ¼ inch slices)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing cooking wine
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil)
• ⅔ cup soy sauce (light sodium)
• ⅔ cup water
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 pound broccoli (cut into florets)
• 1½ tablespoons garlic (minced)
• 1½ tablespoons ginger (minced)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of shaoxing cooking wine, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add the chicken slices and mix until well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine ⅔ cup of soy sauce, ⅔ cup of water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 2½ tablespoons of cornstarch. Add 1½ teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and stir until smooth.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté the garlic and ginger in the same skillet for about 30 seconds, then add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
5. Add the chicken back to the skillet, pour over the sauce, and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or noodles, and drizzle sesame oil on top before serving for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese