There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken and crisp broccoli, especially when drizzled with a savory sauce. The moment you take a bite of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, you’ll be transported to a bustling street market in China, where the aromas of soy sauce and garlic dance in the air. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish always brings smiles to the table.
I remember the first time I attempted to make this dish. I was trying to impress my friends during a dinner party, but let’s just say my cooking skills were still in their infancy. Spoiler alert: the fire alarm went off more than once! Yet, after some trial and error (and perhaps a few too many takeout runs), I finally nailed it. Now, it’s my go-to recipe for impressing guests and keeping my hunger at bay. This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to date nights at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The preparation is so easy that even your kitchen-phobic friend will want to try it.
- The flavor profile combines savory and slightly sweet notes that tantalize your taste buds.
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish perfect for any gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to swap out vegetables or proteins based on what’s in your fridge!
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust according to how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose firm, bright green florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; about three cloves should do trick.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger provides an aromatic kick—grate it finely for easier incorporation.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Cornstarch: This will help thicken our sauce, giving it that glossy finish we all love.
- Chicken Broth: A splash of broth adds richness; use low-sodium options if possible.
- Sugar: A tablespoon or two balances the salty flavors beautifully—brown sugar works wonders here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips across the grain—this ensures tenderness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Let them marinate for at least fifteen minutes while you prep other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken strips and stir-fry until cooked through—about five minutes should do! Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
In the same skillet (don’t wash it; we want those flavors), add more oil if necessary before tossing in broccoli florets. Stir-fry until they’re vibrant green and tender-crisp—around three minutes should suffice.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture over the broccoli in the pan.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add back in your cooked chicken strips into the skillet with broccoli. Stir everything together until well-coated with that mouthwatering sauce. Cook for another minute or two to let everything meld beautifully.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Now that you’ve mastered this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe, get ready for compliments from family and friends! Enjoy your culinary creation as you bask in your newfound cooking glory!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish combines tender chicken with vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce.
- It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that can brighten any dinner table while being simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, start by marinating the chicken. While it sits, prepare the broccoli and sauce. Sear the chicken until golden, then toss in the broccoli and sauce for a quick stir-fry.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli! Swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp, add bell peppers for extra color, or try different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce to mix things up.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or stir-fry briefly on the stove to retain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- When cooking broccoli, avoid overcooking to keep its vibrant color and crunch.
- Use high heat while stir-frying to lock in flavors quickly.
Sharing my first attempt at making Chinese Chicken and Broccoli brings back fond memories of my friends raving about how it tasted just like takeout but better. Their enthusiasm encouraged me to perfect my recipe!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
To make a delicious Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish, gather the following ingredients: boneless chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch. You will also need vegetable oil for cooking and optionally some green onions for garnish. This combination creates a flavorful stir-fry that highlights the tender chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
How long does it take to cook Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
Cooking Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is quick and easy. The entire process takes about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes prepping the ingredients, marinating the chicken if desired, and stir-frying everything together. The fast cooking time makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chinese Chicken and Broccoli ahead of time. It’s best to store each component separately until you’re ready to serve. Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, while broccoli can last about two days. Reheat gently before serving to maintain texture and flavor. This makes it easy to enjoy this tasty dish on a busy day.
Is Chinese Chicken and Broccoli healthy?
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a healthy choice packed with nutrients. The dish features lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins from the broccoli. Additionally, using low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce sodium intake. When cooked with minimal oil and served over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, this dish becomes an even healthier option suitable for various diets.
Conclusion for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli :
In conclusion, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. With quick preparation and cooking times, it’s ideal for busy evenings. By using fresh ingredients and adjusting sauces according to your preferences, you can create a healthier version that suits your dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious meal as part of your weekly dinner rotation for a nutritious boost!
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a vibrant stir-fry dish that brings together tender chicken breast and crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into an exciting culinary experience reminiscent of bustling Chinese street markets. Quick to prepare and customizable, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash broccoli and cut into bite-sized pieces. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken strips with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry marinated chicken until cooked through (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the broccoli: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and cook broccoli for about 3 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth in a small bowl until smooth. Pour over broccoli.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with broccoli and toss until well-coated with sauce. Cook for an additional minute before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Customize this dish by substituting chicken with tofu or shrimp. Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
