If you have ever craved a home-cooked meal that delivers bright flavors, satisfying textures, and a comforting touch, look no further than this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It combines tender slices of chicken with crisp broccoli florets, all enveloped in a luscious, savory sauce that perfectly balances soy, garlic, and ginger notes. This dish is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to impress guests, making it a cherished staple in my kitchen that I’m excited to share with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe plays an essential role. From the bright green broccoli adding crunch and color to the punchy garlic and ginger that bring aromatic warmth, these simple components come together to create something truly unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Provides vibrant color and crunch with healthy greens.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Used for stir-frying to achieve a perfect sear without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a subtle zing and warmth to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce with umami richness.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Elevates the sauce with sweet and savory complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Injects a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a toasted aroma that rounds out the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season and enhance all other flavors.
- Cooked white rice or noodles: The perfect vehicle to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional): For garnishing and adding a final crunchy freshness.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. Add your thinly sliced chicken breast and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, making every bite juicy and delicious.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, remaining cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you’re adding a little heat. This sauce will bring together all the ingredients with a silky, savory coating.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry until they turn a bright green and become slightly tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This quick cooking keeps the broccoli crisp and vibrant, exactly how you want it.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan, then add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden. This builds a wonderful texture and locks in those savory juices.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. This brief step infuses the dish with their distinct, mouthwatering aromas without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Chicken
Return the broccoli to the skillet and mix everything together. This brings both key components back into the pan, ready for the final flavorful touch.
Step 7: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens to coat everything beautifully in a glossy, savory glaze that is simply irresistible.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat, and serve your stir fry piping hot over cooked white rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and a fresh crunch if you like.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions over your dish just before serving. These simple touches add crunch, color, and a burst of fresh taste that makes this dish feel restaurant-quality right at home.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or your favorite noodles to soak up the tasty sauce. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables, which add crisp coolness and contrast beautifully with the warm stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the chicken and broccoli stir fry inside a hollowed-out pineapple for tropical flair, or scoop portions into lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held delight. For a family-style meal, place the stir fry in a large, colorful serving dish and surround it with vibrant sides for a festive table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more, making for a quick and satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just be aware that the broccoli’s texture might soften after thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture and flavor, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best results; the skillet will help maintain the dish’s appealing glossy sauce and tender-crisp broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic, you can swap or add snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or baby corn to customize texture and color to your liking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as an option for a mild heat level. You can easily omit or increase the amount depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, and you’ll have a gluten-friendly version that’s just as tasty.
What’s the best rice to serve with this stir fry?
Fluffy white rice like jasmine or basmati works beautifully, as does simple steamed brown rice or noodles if you prefer something heartier.
How thinly should I slice the chicken?
Thin slices – about 1/4 inch thick – are best for quick cooking and tender bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is truly one of those dishes that never gets old, combining simple ingredients into a symphony of deliciousness. It’s fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a favorite in your own kitchen as well!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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 perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender slices of chicken breast are marinated and stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Served over warm white rice or noodles and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (for marinade)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for marinade)
- Pinch of black pepper (for marinade)
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (remaining)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (remaining)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine broccoli and chicken: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss to mix everything evenly.
- Add the sauce and thicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients nicely.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken and broccoli stir fry hot over cooked white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can be added for extra color and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
