Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic, quick, and healthy dish packed with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish captures the essence of traditional Chinese cooking while remaining accessible to home cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the Chicken:
   Thinly slice the chicken into bite-sized strips for quick and even cooking.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken slices and mix until evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

1. Boil Water:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
   Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures the broccoli remains vibrant and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar (if using), and chicken broth. Stir well.
2. Thicken the Sauce:
   Dissolve the cornstarch in water and set aside to add later.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Wok:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the marinated chicken slices to the hot wok in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add Oil to the Wok:
   Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
2. Cook Garlic and Ginger:
   Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 6: Stir Fry the Broccoli

1. Add the Blanched Broccoli:
   Toss the broccoli florets into the wok with the garlic and ginger. Stir fry for 1–2 minutes to heat through and coat them in the aromatic oil.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Wok:
   Add the cooked chicken back to the wok with the broccoli.
2. Pour the Sauce:
   Stir the sauce mixture and pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Toss to combine.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
   Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to the wok. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly.

Tips for Success

1. Cut Evenly:
   Slice the chicken and broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. High Heat is Key:
   Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve a restaurant-style texture and flavor.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Wok:
   Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
4. Balance the Sauce:
   Taste the sauce before adding it to the dish. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Pair with noodles like lo mein or soba for a twist.
• Add a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete meal.

Variations

1. Vegetarian:
   Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Spicy:
   Add chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha for heat.
3. Mixed Vegetables:
   Include other veggies like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for a more colorful dish.
4. Low-Sodium:
   Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce for a meal that’s quick to make and delightful to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a reliable go-to for busy days.

Yield: 4

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Print

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic, quick, and healthy dish packed with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish captures the essence of traditional Chinese cooking while remaining accessible to home cooks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Stir Fry:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• For the Sauce:
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• ½ tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken slices and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
   
3. Stir Fry Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
   Add the broccoli and stir fry for 3 minutes. If using red bell peppers, add them and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
   
4. Combine Ingredients:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
   
5. Add the Sauce:
   Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
   Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
   
6. Serve:
   Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.

Vegetable Additions: Add snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil to the sauce.