Master the art of Chinese chicken broccoli stir fry – a quick weeknight dinner bursting with authentic Asian flavors.
Quick Answer: Chinese chicken broccoli stir fry combines tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli in a savory Chinese brown sauce. Cook marinated chicken until golden (3-4 minutes), add blanched broccoli, and stir fry with sauce until glossy (2-3 minutes).
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Dairy-free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality taste with perfectly tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli
- Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal cleanup
- Versatile recipe that works great for meal prep
- High in protein and loaded with vegetables
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Quick Benefits
This Chinese chicken broccoli stir fry delivers authentic flavors while being healthier than takeout. The high-heat cooking method ensures crisp vegetables and juicy chicken, while the homemade sauce creates the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.
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
- Ensure wok is very hot before adding ingredients
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed
- Blanch broccoli just until bright green to maintain crispness
- Use a carbon steel or cast iron wok for best results
- Contains oyster sauce – not suitable for shellfish allergies
- If sauce is too thick, thin with chicken broth
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Chinese egg noodles
- Hot and sour soup
- Chinese tea
Creative Variations
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu
- Add mushrooms or snap peas
- Use cauliflower instead of broccoli
- Make it spicy with dried chilies or chili oil
Cultural Notes
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China during the Han dynasty. The quick cooking over high heat in a wok preserves nutrients and creates “wok hei” – the distinctive charred flavor prized in Chinese cuisine.
Pro Tips
- Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning
- Have all ingredients prepped before heating the wok
- Use high smoke point oil like peanut or avocado
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Chinese chicken broccoli stir fry ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare components ahead and store up to 24 hours. Final cooking takes just 10 minutes.
Q: What’s the best way to cut broccoli for stir fry?
A: Cut into even-sized florets about 1.5 inches wide for even cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Fresh is best, but thawed frozen broccoli works – skip blanching step.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking?
A: Use a well-heated wok and don’t move chicken for first minute of cooking.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: No, but can be made gluten-free using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Health Benefits
This dish combines lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich broccoli, providing vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The stir-frying method requires minimal oil while preserving the vegetables’ nutritional benefits.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 380 • Carbs: 15g • Protein: 42g • Fat: 18g • Sodium: 890mg
Notes
For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breast meat if you prefer more tender, flavorful meat.
Chinese chicken broccoli stir
Master the art of Chinese chicken broccoli stir fry - a quick weeknight dinner bursting with authentic Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breast meat if you prefer more tender, flavorful meat.