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
Scale
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.
