Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is that magical weeknight dinner you’ll return to again and again. Imagine vibrant green broccoli, tender chicken, and a glossy, savory sauce clinging to every bite—perfect with steaming rice! It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot but feels even better because you made it yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into making this comforting classic. Every ingredient has its own special role, whether it’s adding savoriness to the sauce, moisture to the chicken, or vibrant color to your finished stir fry. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single one!

• Chicken Breast: Slice it 1/4-inch thick so it turns out juicy and tender, never dry.
• Shaoxing Wine: A splash in both the marinade and sauce lends that signature restaurant flavor.
• Salt and White Pepper: Just a bit seasons the chicken, giving it a subtle warmth that black pepper can’t replicate.
• Cornstarch: Keeps your chicken velvety and thickens the glossy brown sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: Delivers a deep, savory backbone and a touch of sweetness to the stir fry sauce.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Gives the sauce its rich color and earthy flavor (it’s much bolder than regular soy!).
• Sesame Oil: Adds a delightful nutty aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
• Chicken Stock: A little liquid gold to balance out the sauce with savory depth.
• Brown Sugar: Rounds out the salty flavors, adding a hint of caramel sweetness.
• Broccoli: The essential veggie! Crisp-tender florets soak up all the sauce while staying bright and green.
• Garlic and Ginger: The dynamic duo that brings warmth and zing to every bite.
• Oil: Just enough to stir fry everything to glossy perfection.

Variations

The beauty of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to tweak, swap, and play with the ingredients to fit your tastes or whatever you’ve got on hand—don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Swap the Protein: Try thinly-sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a delightful twist on the classic.
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, baby corn, or carrots can add even more color and crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your oyster sauce for gluten-free certification.
• Spicy Edition: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a gentle (or fiery!) kick.

How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Slice your chicken into thin, even strips—aim for about 1/4 inch so they cook quickly and evenly. In a bowl, mix in Shaoxing wine, salt, pepper, and a bit of cornstarch. This quick marinade is the secret to unbelievably soft and flavorful chicken, so let it sit for 15 minutes while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Stir together oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy, chicken stock, sesame oil, brown sugar, more cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. The flavor here is a delicate balance of savory, sweet, and fragrant—give it a taste and marvel at how easy this “restaurant” sauce is to whip up at home!

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Add a bit of water to your skillet or wok, bring it to a boil, and toss in the broccoli. Cover and steam just until the florets turn bright green and are fork-tender (about 45 seconds). This trick keeps your broccoli crisp and saves you from washing another pot!

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in your skillet, then lay the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear (without moving it!) for a couple of minutes to get that lightly charred, golden crust, then flip quickly for just a minute more. This approach locks in juiciness and builds those irresistible stir-fry flavors.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Wipe out your skillet and add a bit more oil. Toss in garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle until fragrant and golden—this step perfumes your oil and infuses the whole dish with classic Chinese aromas.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to combine, then pour in the sauce. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and coats every bite—when you see everything glistening and the kitchen smells amazing, it’s done!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

I love sprinkling sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a pop of freshness and a little crunch. Thinly sliced red chili looks beautiful for a spicy snap, or you can even add a swirl of extra sesame oil right before serving for a burst of aroma.

Side Dishes

A bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice is the classic choice, letting the luscious sauce soak in. Other great sides? Try fried rice, a simple egg drop soup, or slippery Chinese egg noodles if you want something a little extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic touch, dish up your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in a large serving platter, family-style. Or, go individual with bento boxes or small bowls nestled over rice. Garnish with generous sprigs of cilantro or crunchy bean sprouts for dinner party vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch extra delicious—just keep the rice separate if you want to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is freezer-friendly! Cool it completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken tender.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just stir halfway for even heating!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever craved your favorite takeout but wished you could make it healthier, fresher, and even more satisfying at home, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is your answer. Give it a try this week—you’ll quickly fall in love with this vibrant, saucy, and deeply comforting classic!

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