Name: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp cornstarch; ½ tsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup chicken broth (or water); 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce); 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar); 1 tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp sesame oil; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice); Cooked rice or noodles; Sesame seeds & sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Short Description

Chinese chicken and broccoli is a quick, healthy, and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This homemade takeout favorite is easy to make in under 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Healthier than takeout – Less oil, no MSG, and made with fresh ingredients.
Rich and flavorful – A savory, umami-packed garlic-ginger sauce.
Customizable – Add extra vegetables or adjust spice levels.
Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
Soy sauce
Cornstarch
Sesame oil

For the Sauce:

Low-sodium soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Chicken broth
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated)
Rice vinegar
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Stir-Fry:

Broccoli florets
Vegetable oil
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Marinate the chicken – In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Make the sauce – In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Blanch the broccoli – Bring a pot of water to a boil, add broccoli, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan.
Stir-fry everything – In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then pour in the sauce. Once it thickens, return the chicken and broccoli to the pan and toss to coat.
Serve and enjoy – Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
Extra veggies – Add bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Gluten-free option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Low-carb/keto – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Sweet and spicy – Mix in a little honey and chili paste.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great in stir-fries.

Do I have to blanch the broccoli?

Blanching keeps the broccoli bright and tender-crisp, but you can stir-fry it directly if you prefer.

What’s the best oil for stir-frying?

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil are best for high-heat cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain before cooking.

How do I make this dish sweeter?

Add a little extra brown sugar or honey to the sauce.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you like extra sauce, double the ingredients and adjust the cornstarch to keep it thick.

What should I serve with this dish?

Steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles pair perfectly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then stir-fry everything when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Slice it thinly, marinate properly, and avoid overcooking.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Just add it at the end to warm through.

Conclusion

Chinese chicken and broccoli is a fast, easy, and delicious stir-fry that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce, this dish is a healthier, homemade alternative to takeout. Try it today for a quick and satisfying meal!