Master the art of Chinese Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with this authentic recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Quick Answer: Make Chinese Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry by marinating diced chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch, blanching broccoli until crisp-tender, then stir-frying everything in a hot wok with garlic and ginger. Finish with a savory brown sauce in just 15 minutes of cooking time.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Dairy-free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory sauce
- Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal cleanup
- Healthier and more affordable than takeout
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Great for meal prep and next-day lunches
Quick Benefits
This Chinese Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry combines lean protein with nutrient-rich broccoli in a flavorful sauce. The high-heat cooking method preserves vegetables’ crispness while creating the perfect caramelization on the chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 heads (1 lb) broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (~4-5 cloves)
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast, Shaoxing wine, salt, white pepper, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, chicken stock, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, bring about 1/3 cup of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, cover, and steam until slightly tender and water evaporates, about 45-50 seconds. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another minute until lightly charred with a slightly pink center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the cleaned skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauteing until lightly browned and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the broccoli and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss together and saute for 1 minute.
- Stir the reserved sauce to ensure cornstarch is well mixed. Pour into the skillet, tossing everything until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Serve immediately with rice and garnish with green onions if desired.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcrowd the wok – cook chicken in batches for proper browning
- Blanch broccoli just until bright green to maintain crispness
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting to stir-fry
- Use high heat throughout cooking
- Stir constantly to prevent burning
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Chinese egg noodles
- Hot and sour soup
- Chinese tea
- Crispy spring rolls
Creative Variations
- Swap chicken for beef or shrimp
- Use mixed vegetables like carrots and snap peas
- Make it spicy with dried chilies or chili oil
- Use cauliflower for a low-carb option
Cultural Notes
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China during the Han dynasty. This dish represents the Chinese cooking philosophy of balancing proteins and vegetables while emphasizing quick cooking over high heat to preserve nutrients and texture.
Pro Tips
- Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning
- Use a carbon steel wok for best results
- Heat wok until smoking before adding oil
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Chinese Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry without a wok?
A: Yes, use a large skillet, though a wok provides better heat distribution and flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
A: Add chicken broth gradually and adjust cornstarch amount.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry first for best results.
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: No, but can be made gluten-free using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Health Benefits
This stir-fry combines lean protein from chicken with nutrient-dense broccoli, providing vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. The quick cooking method helps retain nutrients while using minimal oil for a healthier alternative to takeout.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 385 • Carbs: 15g • Protein: 42g • Fat: 18g • Sodium: 890mg
Notes
For best results, prepare all ingredients before heating the wok, as the cooking process moves quickly once started.
Chinese Chicken Broccoli Stir
Master the art of Chinese Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with this authentic recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, prepare all ingredients before heating the wok, as the cooking process moves quickly once started.