Chinese Chicken and Broccoli: The Best Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, a takeout favorite, is surprisingly easy to make at home! Forget dialing for delivery; with this recipe, you can have a healthier, tastier version on your table in under 30 minutes. Have you ever wondered about the origins of this beloved dish? While it’s a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across America, its roots are more American-Chinese than authentically Chinese. It evolved to cater to the American palate, blending familiar flavors with classic Chinese cooking techniques.

What makes Chinese Chicken and Broccoli so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. The contrast in textures is delightful, and the umami-rich sauce is simply addictive. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in a single serving. People love it for its convenience, its satisfying flavor, and the fact that it’s a relatively healthy option compared to other takeout choices. I know you’ll love this recipe!

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Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For Cooking:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry, if needed)
• Water (for slurry, if needed)
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Marinating the Chicken

Okay, let’s start by getting our chicken nice and flavorful! This marinade is super simple but makes a huge difference in the final dish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper.
2. Mix everything together really well, making sure all the chicken is coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be! I usually aim for an hour, but even 30 minutes will do the trick. You can even marinate it overnight for maximum flavor!

Preparing the Broccoli

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the broccoli ready. We want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so we’ll give it a quick sauté.

1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure to remove any tough stems.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned. If the broccoli starts to burn, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet and cover it for a minute or two to steam it.
6. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

Now for the star of the show – the sauce! This is where all the delicious flavors come together. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy (if you want it to be).

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
2. Set the sauce aside for now. We’ll add it to the skillet later.

Cooking the Chicken

Time to cook the chicken! We want it to be nicely browned and cooked through.

1. Heat the vegetable oil in the same skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Combining Everything

Almost there! Now we just need to bring everything together and let the sauce thicken up.

1. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. If the sauce is not thick enough, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add the slurry to the skillet and cook for another minute or two, until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
3. Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
4. Cook for another minute or two, until the broccoli is heated through.

Serving

And that’s it! Your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is ready to serve. I love to serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, but you can also use brown rice or quinoa.

1. Serve the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas.
• Use different protein: You can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 400-500, Protein: 30-40g, Fat: 20-30g, Carbohydrates: 30-40g (depending on serving size and ingredients used)

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Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful, satisfying, and relatively quick weeknight meal. I know there are countless recipes out there, but I genuinely believe this one stands out because of its perfectly balanced sauce, tender chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet subtly unique.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. The secret, I think, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in each step. From properly marinating the chicken to ensuring the broccoli is cooked just right, every element contributes to the overall deliciousness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve presented it as a classic Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish, feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms would be fantastic additions. You could also swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood-based version.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Pairing: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Noodle Bowl: Toss it with your favorite noodles, like lo mein or chow mein, for a heartier dish.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.
* Sweeten It Up: A touch more honey or brown sugar can enhance the sweetness of the sauce if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
* Make it Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free.
* Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok (or skillet!), and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!

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