Name: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: Protein & Vegetables: 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; Sauce: ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp brown sugar (or low-carb sweetener); 1 tsp sesame oil; For Cooking: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ tsp white or black pepper; For Serving: Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower for low-carb)

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Short Description

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a classic takeout-style dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a savory garlic soy sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight meal and delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Than Takeout – Uses simple, fresh ingredients without excessive oil or MSG.
Flavorful and Savory – The garlic soy sauce coats each piece of chicken and broccoli with a delicious umami-packed taste.
Customizable – Easily adaptable to different diets, including gluten-free or low-carb variations.
One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in one skillet or wok.

Ingredients

Chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
Broccoli florets
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Chicken broth
Cornstarch
Brown sugar
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
White or black pepper
Cooked rice (for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients – Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, mix the chicken with a bit of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Blanch the Broccoli – Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for about 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Sauce – In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then pour in the sauce mixture. Stir and let it simmer for a minute until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything – Return the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli to the pan. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Serve – Plate the chicken and broccoli over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Variations

Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Low-Carb/Keto – Substitute the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
Extra Vegetables – Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
Spicy Version – Stir in more red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a heat boost.
Different Protein Options – Swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu for variety.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the sugar, and use lean chicken breast for a lighter version.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but blanch it slightly less than fresh broccoli to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to speed up cooking.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?

Using chicken thighs instead of breast and not overcooking will keep the meat juicy and tender.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little honey can be a good substitute.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for weekly meal prepping.

Can I cook this without a wok?

Yes! A large skillet or frying pan works just as well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it while stirring.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices due to their high smoke points.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic homemade alternative to takeout, offering bold flavors, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli in a delicious sauce. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable to various dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-style meal right at home!

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