If you have a craving for a wholesome, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is just what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken pieces, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that brings everything to life with the perfect balance of umami and subtle sweetness. This recipe is not only satisfying and delicious but also impressively quick to make, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe comes alive with simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building its irresistible taste, vibrant look, and perfect texture. You’ll love how every item works in harmony to create a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they soak up the marinade beautifully for juicy bites.
- Soy sauce: Adds that deep, salty foundation essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating that seals in moisture for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Vegetable oil: Great for high-heat cooking, giving a nice sear without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic, minced: Packs a punch of fragrant aroma and sharp taste.
- Ginger, minced: Adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the whole dish.
- Broccoli florets: Their crunch and vibrant green color bring both excitement and nutrition.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce, keeping the stir-fry juicy.
- Oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet depth that’s signature to Chinese cuisine.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle gives an irresistible nutty aroma that rounds out the dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a final touch of crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the marinade better, setting the stage for tender and flavorful bites.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture, coating them evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes – this step is key for bringing juiciness and flavor deep into the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally to get a nice sear. Once done, set the chicken aside and keep that flavorful fond in the pan.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, letting their scents flood your kitchen and infuse the base of your sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender—this keeps them crisp and full of vibrant color, adding that satisfying crunch we all love.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. As the broth heats, add the chicken back to the pan along with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all those layers of flavor.
Step 7: Finish and Thicken
Allow the stir-fry to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken, lightly glazing the chicken and broccoli with a luscious coating full of nuanced taste.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer your masterpiece to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is a classic way to add a little extra texture and nutty aroma. You can also top with thinly sliced green onions or a few red pepper flakes if you want a slight kick and fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines served over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or alongside chewy noodles like lo mein for a hearty meal. You could also pair it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings to turn it into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir-fry in lettuce cups for a light, crunchy bite or pile it into warm pita pockets for an Asian-inspired sandwich. It also makes a wonderful filling for savory crepes or wraps if you want to change up the format.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives you a quick, tasty option for lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, so you keep that silky sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is traditional and adds a great crunch, you can swap or add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn for variety and color. Just adjust cooking time based on the firmness of each veggie.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and ensure oyster and hoisin sauces are labeled gluten-free. Otherwise, the recipe is naturally quite healthy and adaptable.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred for their tender texture and quick cooking time, but you can also use skinless chicken thighs if you want a juicier, slightly richer bite.
Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust seasoning to your taste to keep that rich, savory profile.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on savory and slightly sweet flavors. You can add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers during cooking if you love a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe a try will quickly make it a top pick for your weekly meals. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor and nutrition — everything you want from a homemade dish that feels like restaurant quality. Don’t wait to enjoy this gorgeous stir-fry plate full of color, texture, and deliciousness!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, finished with a hint of sesame oil. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it comes together in just about 35 minutes using simple ingredients and a straightforward stir-frying technique.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Make marinade: Whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
- Marinate chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the soy sauce mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Rest chicken: Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Set aside chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir-fry broccoli: Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Add broth: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet once the broth is simmering.
- Add sauces: Stir in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil evenly coating the ingredients.
- Thicken sauce: Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and fully coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Finish dish: Remove from heat and transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken helps tenderize and infuse it with flavor.
- Use a wok or large skillet for best results to allow even heat distribution.
- Make sure not to overcook broccoli to maintain its bright color and crunch.
- Adjust sauces to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness or saltiness.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and check oyster sauce label.
- Can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be reheated quickly in a skillet.
