If you are craving a dish that is both wholesome and bursting with flavor, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with vibrant, crunchy broccoli all enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce that melds soy, oyster, and hoisin flavors with a touch of aromatic sesame oil. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this stir-fry delivers a nourishing and colorful meal that feels homemade and comforting every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, fragrant ingredients makes this recipe incredibly simple yet wonderfully rich in taste. Each component has its own role, from adding texture to boosting umami depth, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds salty umami that forms the flavor base of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a slight glaze.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying due to its high smoke point.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances the overall aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty kick balancing the richness of the sauce.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Provide crunch, vibrant color, and a healthy burst of nutrients.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the stir-fry moist and helps blend the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Delivers a deep, savory sweetness essential for authentic taste.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces a mild sweetness with a hint of spice.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a toasted nuttiness for a perfect finishing touch.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Sprinkle these to enhance texture and presentation.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. This step sets the foundation for tender morsels that soak up all the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch not only helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken but also slightly tenderizes it, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Coat the chicken pieces in the soy and cornstarch mixture thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to penetrate deeply and intensify the overall taste.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. When golden and cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside—this step locks in a savory crust.
Step 5: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and ginger and sauté briefly until fragrant—this brief cooking unlocks their essential oils, transforming the dish into an aromatic delight.
Step 6: Add Broccoli and Simmer
Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn bright green yet remain crisp. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer to create a flavorful cooking environment.
Step 7: Combine and Flavor
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Continue cooking while stirring for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens, ensuring every piece of chicken and broccoli is coated in rich, glossy goodness.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat and transfer your vibrant Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch and an inviting presentation.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is a classic touch that adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. If you want extra freshness, finely chopped green onions or a few red chili flakes can elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over noodles or alongside simple vegetable fried rice to keep things exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this stir-fry inside crisp lettuce cups for a hands-on, fresh bite or layer it over quinoa for a healthful protein boost. You can also pile it on top of steamed bao buns to turn it into a fun fusion meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even more overnight but is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if packed tightly in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a convenient, ready-made meal any day.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent dryness, preserving that perfect stir-fry texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, which makes them juicier and more flavorful in this dish. Just cut them similarly and adjust cooking times until fully cooked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients and steps remain the same for a delicious plant-based option.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water and stir it in during the final cooking step, then cook until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh to enjoy the crispness of the broccoli, you can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge, which helps develop even more flavor.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you need a substitute, hoisin sauce alone can work, though it’s sweeter. Alternatively, mixing soy sauce with a little mushroom sauce can mimic oyster sauce’s savory depth.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the balance of flavors and textures in this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s quick to whip up, beautifully colorful, and deeply satisfying—a dish that comforts and excites the palate all at once. Give it a go and discover your new weeknight favorite that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a savory soy and cornstarch blend, stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets in a fragrant garlic-ginger sauce. The dish is finished with a delicious mix of oyster, hoisin, and sesame oils, creating a perfect balance of umami and aroma that’s great for a family dinner or meal prep.
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
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved to form a smooth mixture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the soy sauce mixture and stir well to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and just starting to become tender.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer to help cook the broccoli further and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Once the broth is simmering, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, combining it with the broccoli and broth.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken and broccoli are fully coated.
- Serve the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the stir-fry hot alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for best texture; frozen broccoli can be used but may become softer.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger according to personal preference for spice and aroma.
- To keep the broccoli crunchier, reduce cooking time in step 7 slightly.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice nutty finish and visual appeal.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
