Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
This delightful Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a perfect balance of flavors, featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory soy sauce glaze. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich taste and wholesome ingredients, this dish stands out as a comforting favorite that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful: The combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal that’s also low in calories.
- Versatile Dish: Customize with your choice of vegetables or proteins for endless variations.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this tasty dish, making it great for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some items you’ll need to prepare your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large skillet or wok
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the chicken and chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying, allowing even cooking while retaining the crunchiness of the broccoli.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect flavor balance in your sauce.
Ingredients
This stir-fried Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is seasoned with the perfect amount of ginger, garlic, broccoli florets, and a deep, rich soy sauce glaze.
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- ¾ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (finely chopped, about 1 tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger (packed)
- 12 oz broccoli florets (or 3 cups)
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, vegetable broth, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat:
1. Add olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the sliced chicken.
3. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Stir-fry until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet:
1. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger.
2. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the skillet:
1. Stir well to combine with onions and aromatics.
2. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return cooked chicken to the skillet:
1. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
2. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired:
Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal! Enjoy your homemade Chinese Chicken and Broccoli!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Serving Chinese Chicken and Broccoli can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this dish.
With Steamed Rice
- Pairing with steamed white or brown rice provides a neutral base that absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
In a Wrap
- Use whole grain or lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. Add extra veggies for crunch and flavor.
On Noodles
- Serve over cooked lo mein or rice noodles. The noodles will soak up the flavors of the chicken and broccoli.
As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter
- Include additional stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers and snap peas to create a colorful and nutritious platter.
With a Side Salad
- A light cucumber or Asian-inspired salad can provide refreshing contrast to the warm stir-fry.
How to Perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Perfecting your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli, garlic, and ginger will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Marinate the chicken: Allow your chicken to marinate in soy sauce for at least 15 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Cook on high heat: Stir-frying on high heat will seal in juices and keep the chicken tender.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli: Cook broccoli just until it’s bright green to maintain its crunch and nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce during cooking; feel free to add more soy sauce or maple syrup according to your preference.
- Garnish wisely: Top with sesame seeds or green onions just before serving for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Pairing side dishes with Chinese Chicken and Broccoli can enhance your meal. Here are some great suggestions:
- Fried Rice: Fluffy rice fried with eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce makes a hearty complement.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast.
- Spring Rolls: Lightly fried spring rolls stuffed with veggies offer freshness alongside the main dish.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth while cleansing the palate between bites.
- Steamed Dumplings: These savory pockets filled with meat or vegetables pair well with dipping sauces.
- Sesame Cucumbers: Chilled sesame cucumbers offer a refreshing balance to the savory stir-fry.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs can add a nutritious touch to your meal.
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in an Asian dressing adds brightness and crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people struggle with making the perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using too much soy sauce: This can make the dish overly salty. Stick to low-sodium soy sauce as stated in the recipe.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color. Stir-fry just until tender-crisp.
- Skipping the marinating step: Marinating chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Take a few extra minutes to marinate for better results.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale spices or old vegetables can ruin your dish. Always opt for fresh ginger, garlic, and broccoli florets.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Follow the suggested cook time closely for juicy results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chinese Chicken and Broccoli.
Can I use other vegetables in Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more variety.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
What can I serve with Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Is Chinese Chicken and Broccoli healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli, making it a nutritious choice.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sauce to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings joy to your dinner table!
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a flavorful stir-fry that brings together tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a delicious soy sauce glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for quick dinners or casual gatherings. With its rich taste and nutritious ingredients, it’s a family favorite that everyone will love. Customize it with your choice of veggies or proteins to create endless variations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 12 oz broccoli florets
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¾ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vegetable broth, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; stir-fry until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
- Return chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
