Irresistible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Cooks

Savory Chinese chicken and broccoli brings comfort straight to your dining table with its delightful blend of tender protein and vibrant vegetables.

Crisp green florets dance alongside succulent meat in a harmonious culinary symphony that promises bold flavors.

Regional cooking techniques revolutionize simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal bursting with aromatic seasonings.

The dish represents a perfect balance between nutrition and taste, combining lean protein with nutrient-dense greens.

Familiar yet exciting, this recipe bridges traditional cooking methods with modern kitchen convenience.

Subtle hints of umami and gentle spices create a mouth-watering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Family and friends will be impressed by your culinary skills and the restaurant-quality result you can achieve at home.

Tips for Tender Chicken and Saucy Broccoli

• Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Control Broccoli Crispness: Stir-fry broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and slight crunch, preventing overcooking and mushy texture.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk corn starch thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, glossy glaze that perfectly coats the chicken and vegetables.
• Preheat Skillet Properly: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken and develop rich caramelization without burning the meat.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Toast garlic, ginger, and onions quickly to release their aromatic oils and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile in the dish.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken and Broccoli

Refrigerator Storage:

Transfer leftover chicken and broccoli to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain maximum freshness and flavor.

Freezer Preservation:

Pack cooled chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.

Reheating Instructions:

Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying and restore the original saucy texture. Microwave as a quick alternative, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Chicken and Broccoli for a Full Meal

• Boost Flavor with Crisp Riesling: A chilled, slightly sweet Riesling wine perfectly complements the savory soy glaze and cuts through the rich chicken, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• Pair with Jasmine Rice Base: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the delicious soy glaze, enhancing each bite with its delicate, aromatic texture and providing a perfect foundation for the stir-fry.
• Freshen with Cucumber Salad: A light, cool cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken and broccoli, balancing the dish's intensity.
• Elevate with Crispy Egg Rolls: Serve alongside crunchy vegetable egg rolls to introduce an additional textural element and provide a complementary appetizer that shares similar Asian-inspired flavor profiles.

Flavor Variations on Classic Chicken and Broccoli

• Spicy Kick Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the soy glaze for a fiery version that brings heat to the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture before cooking to achieve a similar texture and protein-packed meal.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped cashews or sliced almonds during the final stir-fry stage, providing an additional layer of crunch and rich, toasted flavor.
• Asian Herb Fusion: Mix in fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil just before serving to introduce a bright, aromatic element that elevates the overall taste profile.

Why Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Is a Takeout Favorite at Home

• Speedy Stir-Fry Magic: Whip up this delicious Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something quick and tasty.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a mouthwatering soy glaze that coats every single bite, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
• Healthy Weeknight Comfort: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutritious broccoli, this dish offers a balanced meal that's both nutritionally smart and incredibly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easy Customizable Cuisine: Swap ingredients easily, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, making it a flexible option for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Homemade Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Adds liquid base and subtle vegetable undertones.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Brings natural sweetness and balances the salty elements.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty and authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinades well, best when thinly sliced.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat for cooking and prevents sticking.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances chicken's natural flavor and helps with seasoning.
• Coarse Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic depth to the dish.

• Onion: Provides sweet, savory base flavor for the stir fry.
• Garlic: Offers intense, pungent flavor characteristic of Chinese cuisine.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy note and traditional Asian cooking element.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable with crisp texture and nutritional value.

• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Stir-Fry Chicken and Broccoli in 20 Minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Soy Glaze

• Vegetable broth
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Maple syrup

Heat in the microwave for 1 minute until hot. Whisk in corn starch until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt. Place chicken in the skillet, spreading pieces evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Ingredients

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Saute the ingredients until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared soy glaze into the skillet with the aromatic ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer and begin thickening. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the glaze.

Step 5: Final Cooking

Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes. The goal is to have broccoli that’s tender yet maintains a slight crunch.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the hot chicken and broccoli over steamed rice or quinoa. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Chinese chicken and broccoli brings classic takeout flavors straight to your kitchen. Ginger-garlic sauce and tender chicken with crisp broccoli create a quick, satisfying meal you can easily master at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 12 ounces (340 g) broccoli florets (about 3 cups)
• ¾ cup (120 g) onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger, packed
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the signature soy glaze by blending vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup in a microwave-safe container, heating until warm and whisking in corn starch for a silky, glossy consistency.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm it over medium-high heat, applying a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and arrange them evenly, cooking until each side develops a golden-brown crust, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet, replenishing oil if necessary, and gently sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Stream the prepared soy glaze into the skillet with sautéed aromatics, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and thicken. Reintroduce the cooked chicken and vibrant broccoli florets, thoroughly coating each ingredient in the glossy sauce.
5. Continue stir-frying the chicken and broccoli for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the broccoli maintains a tender-crisp texture while absorbing the rich, savory glaze.
6. Present the completed dish atop a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Unlock a quick, restaurant-style meal bursting with Asian-inspired flavors right in your kitchen.
• Master the art of creating a silky soy glaze that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish.
• Perfectly balance tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and aromatic seasonings for a weeknight dinner that’ll impress everyone at the table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg