There is something incredibly satisfying about a homemade stir-fry that balances tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce. This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe brings that perfect harmony right to your kitchen, combining simple ingredients that work together to create a delicious, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers both in taste and texture, making it a reliable favorite you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly outstanding. With fresh broccoli, tender chicken, and a sauce crafted with savory and slightly sweet elements, you’ll find this list both accessible and exciting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides lean, tender protein that soaks up the marinade wonderfully.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a vibrant green crunch that balances the softness of the chicken.
- Sliced water chestnuts (optional): Brings a subtle sweetness and crisp texture for extra dimension.
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free): Deep umami base essential for the marinade and sauce.
- Water: Used to adjust consistency in the sauce for the perfect glaze.
- Baking soda: Tenderizes the chicken, helping it stay juicy.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a smooth, glossy finish.
- Brown sugar: Adds mild sweetness to balance the salty and tangy flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Flour (or cornstarch for gluten free): Helps create the sauce’s body and silky texture.
- Rice vinegar: Contributes a gentle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- Vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken evenly without sticking.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients, which include soy sauce, water, baking soda, and cornstarch. Pour this mixture over sliced chicken breast and let it sit while you prepare the rest of the dish. This step ensures that the chicken soaks up those delicious flavors and stays wonderfully tender when cooked.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and steam them in a microwave-safe bowl for about 3 minutes, uncovered. Steaming helps retain the broccoli’s bright color and crunch, which makes the dish visually appealing and texturally balanced.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl: soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, flour, rice vinegar, and water. This blend will form the savory, slightly sweet glaze that brings everything together in the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding vegetable oil if your pan isn’t non-stick. Add the marinated chicken slices and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, usually around 5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Add the prepared sauce, steamed broccoli, and sliced water chestnuts into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken and vegetables. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top before serving. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch and a pop of color that invite you to dig right in.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. If you want to add more veggies, a simple cucumber salad or pickled radishes bring a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken and broccoli over noodles or wrapped in lettuce cups for a light, handheld meal. You can even pack it into meal prep containers for an easy workweek lunch that still feels fresh and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep the broccoli crisp and the chicken tender.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! Simply transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly and retain the dish’s wonderful, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and remain juicy through cooking, making the dish even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts on hand, chopped jicama or celery offer a similar crunch and fresh taste that complements the dish well.
Is this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe gluten free?
It can be easily adapted! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose cornstarch instead of flour to keep it gluten free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. This adds a nice kick without overwhelming the balance of flavors.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before to deepen the flavors. You can also steam broccoli in advance and simply reheat it when cooking the dish to save time.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a trusty go-to that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare. From the juicy, tender chicken to the crisp broccoli and glossy sauce, every bite is a happy reminder that simple ingredients can create magic in your kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon; I promise it will quickly become a beloved classic in your meal rotation.
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and optional water chestnuts tossed in a savory brown sugar soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthy and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts (optional)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together the marinade ingredients—2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon water, baking soda, and cornstarch—in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the sliced chicken breasts and allow to marinate while preparing the other ingredients. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Steam the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and place them in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes to gently steam the broccoli until just tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients—reduced-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, flour (or cornstarch), rice vinegar, and water—until smooth. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil if not using a non-stick pan. Add the marinated chicken along with its marinade to the skillet. Sauté frequently, stirring, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add vegetables and sauce: To the skillet, add the steamed broccoli and water chestnuts (if using). Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together to evenly coat all ingredients. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. For a thinner sauce, add additional water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use cornstarch instead of flour.
- Adjust brown sugar amounts to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Microwaving broccoli keeps it crisp; alternatively, you can steam it on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes.
- If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can omit them or substitute with sliced mushrooms for extra texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
