The sauce in this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the star of the show, and it’s what really ties all the ingredients together. It’s savory with a hint of sweetness, thanks to the perfect balance of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. What really elevates it, though, is a splash of sesame oil, which brings in a rich, toasted flavor that’s totally irresistible. When you pour it over the chicken and broccoli, it coats everything just right, adding a glossy sheen that promises every bite will be packed with flavor. The garlic and ginger sautéed at the beginning of the dish create a fragrant base that makes your kitchen smell like your favorite Chinese takeout spot, but better!
You can adjust the sweetness or the saltiness of the sauce based on your taste. Sometimes, I add a little more honey for a sweeter version, or extra soy sauce if I’m craving a saltier, more umami flavor. One of the best parts about stir-fries like this is how customizable they are. Want a bit of heat? Add some chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha! If you love the crunch of your veggies, don’t overcook the broccoli. Just blanch it quickly in boiling water, and it will still have that satisfying bite once it’s tossed in the stir-fry.
Speaking of broccoli, it’s not just a healthy addition; it’s the perfect texture to soak up that sauce. Crisp yet tender, it contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and brings a pop of vibrant green to the plate. Every forkful is a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice—comforting, yet exciting at the same time. You can serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles, but trust me, it’s so good that it might just stand alone!
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing this stir-fry to life, contributing to its texture, flavor, and that irresistible sauce. Let’s break it down!
Key Ingredients for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The chicken is the protein base of this dish, providing a tender, juicy bite. It absorbs the sauce beautifully and gives you a satisfying, hearty element in every bite.
Soy sauce
This is the salty, umami-packed backbone of the sauce. It gives depth and a savory flavor that balances out the sweetness and enhances the other ingredients.
Cornstarch
The magic ingredient that thickens the sauce, creating that glossy, smooth texture that coats everything perfectly. It also helps the chicken maintain a juicy tenderness after cooking.
Vegetable oil
This neutral oil is used for stir-frying, providing just enough heat and helping everything cook evenly. It’s essential for sautéing the garlic, ginger, and chicken, without adding any overpowering flavors.
Garlic (minced)
One of my favorite aromatics, garlic brings warmth and a little kick to the dish. Sautéed in the beginning, it infuses the oil with a delicious fragrance, making your kitchen smell absolutely mouthwatering.
Ginger (minced)
Fresh ginger adds a subtle zing that complements the garlic and gives the stir-fry a fresh, vibrant kick. It’s a key player in balancing out the richness of the sauce.
Broccoli florets
The star vegetable! Broccoli’s crisp yet tender texture provides the perfect contrast to the juicy chicken and absorbs the sauce wonderfully. Plus, that gorgeous green color makes the dish look so appetizing.
Chicken broth
This adds moisture to the stir-fry and helps form the base of the sauce. It also brings a mild, savory flavor that ties the soy and hoisin together, making everything come together in perfect harmony.
Oyster sauce
Slightly sweet and deeply savory, oyster sauce deepens the flavor profile of the sauce. It’s a must for adding that unmistakable “Chinese takeout” flavor we all crave.
Hoisin sauce
A sweet and tangy component, hoisin sauce adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and the savoriness of the oyster sauce.
Sesame oil
Just a splash of this rich, toasted oil elevates the dish to a whole new level of flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that makes everything taste a little more gourmet and adds that irresistible, nutty depth.
Sesame seeds (optional)
These little seeds add a lovely crunch and visual appeal to your stir-fry. Plus, they bring a mild, nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil. A simple but elegant garnish that takes this dish over the top.
Each ingredient is carefully selected to create a balanced and flavorful stir-fry that’s sure to impress. Now that you’ve got all the key players, it’s time to dive into the cooking!
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- STEP 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- STEP 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves completely. This mixture will help thicken the sauce and coat the chicken perfectly.
- STEP 3: Add the chicken pieces to the soy sauce mixture and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Make sure each piece is well-covered with the marinade.
- STEP 4: Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will allow the flavors to start sinking in.
- STEP 5: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sear the chicken but not smoking.
- STEP 6: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick. The pieces should have a nice golden-brown color.
- STEP 7: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step helps to keep the chicken juicy, and you’ll add it back later with the sauce.
- STEP 8: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. The garlic and ginger will infuse the oil with an irresistible aroma.
- STEP 9: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. You want them to stay crisp but cooked enough to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- STEP 10: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. The broth will help create the sauce base and bring moisture to the stir-fry.
- STEP 11: Once the broth is simmering, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir it in gently to coat the chicken in the broth and begin building the sauce.
- STEP 12: Stir in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. These three ingredients are key to that sweet-savory flavor we all love. Mix well so that everything is evenly coated.
- STEP 13: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully coated. The sauce should become glossy and cling to the chicken and broccoli beautifully.
- STEP 14: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
- STEP 15: Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. A sprinkle of these little seeds adds a lovely crunch and a pop of texture.
- STEP 16: Serve the stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal—every bite will be full of flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Over Steamed Jasmine Rice
This dish absolutely shines when served over a bed of fluffy, aromatic jasmine rice. The delicate, slightly floral flavor of the rice complements the savory sauce perfectly. Plus, that rice soaks up every last drop of the delicious sauce—trust me, you’ll want every bite to be as flavorful as possible!
With Noodles
If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, serve this stir-fry over a pile of tender egg noodles or rice noodles. The noodles will pick up all the savory goodness from the sauce and add an extra layer of texture. A dash of extra sesame oil on top never hurts, either!
As a Standalone Dish
If you’re keeping it light or want to skip the carbs, this stir-fry can totally hold its own as a standalone dish. The chicken, broccoli, and sauce are satisfying enough on their own, making it a perfect low-carb or keto-friendly option. You can even add a few extra veggies for more crunch—snow peas or bell peppers would be great additions!
What’s your favorite way to serve stir-fries like this? I’d love to hear how you customize it!
How to Store Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly is key to keeping the flavors fresh and the textures intact. The best way to store your stir-fry is in an airtight container in the fridge. Let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it into the container, as this helps prevent condensation and sogginess. When stored this way, your stir-fry will stay good for about 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner later in the week.
When reheating, you can easily warm it up in the microwave, but for the best results, I recommend giving it a quick stir-fry in a hot skillet. This not only heats it up evenly but also helps restore some of that delicious, glossy sauce and keeps the broccoli from becoming too soft. If you find the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, just splash in a little bit of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Now, if you want to save it for longer, you can also freeze the stir-fry. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. While freezing might slightly affect the texture of the broccoli, the chicken and sauce will still taste great. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. It’s a wonderful way to have a homemade meal on hand for busy days!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry, packed with flavor and made with love! From that glossy, savory-sweet sauce to the tender chicken and crisp broccoli, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s so customizable! Whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or just as it is, there’s no wrong way to make it your own.
I hope this recipe inspires you to get cooking and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’ll have you feeling like a pro. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it goes—whether you’ve added your own twist or stuck to the classic. Any questions, comments, or feedback? I’m all ears! Let me know how it turned out or if you need help with any part of the recipe. I’m always happy to help you in the kitchen! Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Description
Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory, tangy sauce come together in this mouthwatering stir-fry. Each bite bursts with umami flavors, perfectly balancing the freshness of the veggies and the richness of the sauce. A satisfying, vibrant dish!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
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Add the chicken pieces to the soy sauce mixture and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
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Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
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Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender.
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Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
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Once the broth is simmering, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
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Stir in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
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Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully coated.
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Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
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Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
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Serve the stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Note
- Marinating the chicken in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture helps tenderize the meat and allows the sauce to stick better, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste along with the garlic and ginger for an extra kick.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture for the broccoli, stir-fry it for less time, keeping it bright green and crisp.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari in place of the soy sauce and check the labels for the oyster and hoisin sauces, as some brands may contain gluten.
- You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
