Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. This dish combines tender chicken with fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a flavorful sauce that is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s not just delicious; it’s also nutritious, making it a go-to option for health-conscious eaters. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this meal is both nourishing and delicious.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce creates a savory flavor that elevates the dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables or swap chicken for tofu to cater to your dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the taste, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this delightful dish, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Pot for blanching
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying the chicken and broccoli evenly without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken, ensuring it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
For Serving
- Cooked rice
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce and oyster sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying them for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Broccoli
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with blanched broccoli. Stir everything together to combine well.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring well to coat both chicken and broccoli evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
If you like, add rice vinegar and sugar to enhance flavor further. Stir well until combined.
Step 8: Serve
Serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli over cooked rice, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Serving Chinese Chicken and Broccoli can enhance the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish.
On a Bed of Rice
- This classic option allows the savory sauce to soak into the rice, adding flavor to every bite.
With a Side of Spring Rolls
- Crispy spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and broccoli, making for an exciting meal.
Garnished with Sesame Seeds
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds texture and visual appeal, elevating the dish’s presentation.
Accompanied by a Fresh Salad
- A light salad with Asian flavors complements the richness of the chicken and broccoli, balancing the meal.
With Steamed Dumplings
- Serve with dumplings for a full Chinese feast. The combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests.
How to Perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
To make your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli shine, consider these tips for perfection.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes instead of just 10.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the aroma and overall taste of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Aim for bright green, slightly crunchy broccoli. Overcooking will make it mushy.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water until you reach your desired thickness.
- Experiment with Proteins: Try swapping chicken for beef or tofu for a different twist on this classic recipe.
- Add Spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice is a popular choice that complements the main dish perfectly.
- Egg Rolls: These crispy treats add extra crunch and are filled with delicious vegetables or meat options.
- Garlic Noodles: Savory garlic noodles offer a delightful contrast while enhancing the Asian flavor profile.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed veggies like carrots or snap peas keep your meal light and healthy.
- Sweet and Sour Soup: A warm bowl of sweet and sour soup provides warmth and contrasting flavors to your plate.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad brings a cool element to balance out the warmth of the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli can be a bit tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Take at least 10 minutes to soak the chicken in soy and oyster sauce for better taste.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Blanch it for just 2-3 minutes to keep it bright and crisp.
- Using high sodium soy sauce: High sodium soy sauce can overpower the dish. Always opt for low-sodium soy sauce to maintain balance in flavor.
- Not thickening the sauce properly: Failing to mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet can result in clumps. Mix well to ensure a smooth sauce.
- Neglecting to adjust flavors: Every palate is different. Don’t hesitate to add rice vinegar or sugar as needed for a more personalized taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
Can I use other vegetables in my Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
How do I make my Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. This will maintain flavor without the gluten.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and blanch the broccoli beforehand, making it easier during dinner time.
What can I serve with my Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with egg rolls or spring rolls as appetizers.
Is this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe healthy?
Yes! This recipe incorporates lean protein from chicken and plenty of vitamins from broccoli, making it a nutritious meal choice.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sauces as you like. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a delightful stir-fry that brings together tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Not only is this dish quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—but it also boasts nutritious ingredients that appeal to health-conscious eaters. Pair it with rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- Optional: rice vinegar and sugar for added flavor
Instructions
- Marinate sliced chicken in soy sauce and oyster sauce for 10 minutes.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then drain.
- In a skillet or wok, heat oil and stir-fry marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stir-frying until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet; mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water; pour into the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Optionally add rice vinegar and sugar; stir well before serving over cooked rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
