Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving bold flavors and a takeout favorite you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a silky-smooth sauce come together in a sizzling pan, infusing your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This dish delivers all the savory-sweet satisfaction of your local restaurant, but with fresher ingredients and a touch of homemade love. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the perfect balance of garlic, ginger, and just the right amount of saucy goodness, this will quickly become a go-to weeknight staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of familiar, fuss-free ingredients to bring this classic to life, but each one plays a starring role. From the juicy chicken to the tender broccoli and that addictive stir-fry sauce, every component adds flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish shine.
- Chicken Breast: Sliced thin for quick cooking and incredible tenderness, it’s the protein backbone of the dish.
- Broccoli Florets: Brings crispness and a fresh, green color that brightens every bite.
- Vegetable Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking, ensuring everything gets nicely seared.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a deep, fragrant base layer of flavor that’s unmistakable in any great stir fry.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and signature zing, balancing the savory notes of the sauce.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Gives savoriness without overwhelming salt; opt for low-sodium so you can control the seasoning.
- Oyster Sauce: Delivers a rich umami punch; don’t skip it if you want that classic Chinese restaurant flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce: Offers touch of sweetness and extra depth, rounding out the sauce beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to that perfect, silky consistency.
- Chicken Broth or Water: Helps loosen the sauce so it coats every piece without being gloopy.
- Sesame Oil: Drizzled at the end for a nutty, aromatic finish; a little goes a long way.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken just right before stir frying.
- Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions (optional): Bring freshness and crunch as a simple but elegant garnish.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth or water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This not only blends the flavors but also gets your thickener ready to create that gorgeous glossy coating later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high. Toss in the sliced chicken breast and a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through and starting to brown on the edges. Once done, move the chicken to a plate—you want it ready to go back into the pan soon!
Step 3: Stir-fry the Aromatics and Broccoli
With the pan still hot, add another tablespoon of oil. Add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds until beautifully fragrant. Next, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender but still snappy.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer with the Sauce
Return your cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour over your prepared stir fry sauce and quickly stir everything together. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, watching that sauce bubble, thicken, and cling to every piece of chicken and broccoli. Right before serving, drizzle in the sesame oil to lock in that signature nutty aroma.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle over sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. That’s it! Serve this piping hot Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry straight away for best results, ideally over fluffy steamed rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
The real magic often lies in the finishing touches! Garnish your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and aroma, and a handful of sliced green onions to add a pop of freshness and color. These small additions make the dish feel restaurant-worthy right at your own table.
Side Dishes
This stir fry absolutely shines with piping hot steamed jasmine rice, but you can pair it with brown rice for extra fiber or even fluffy white quinoa for something different. For a true takeout-at-home experience, serve it alongside veggie spring rolls or a simple egg drop soup—comfort food at its best!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into something special by serving your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in shallow bowls for that classic bistro feel, or plate it family-style on a big platter to encourage sharing. If you’re feeling playful, tuck the stir fry into lettuce cups for a fresh and crunchy handheld bite, or even slip leftovers into a wrap for a fun, fusion-style lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the cooled Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days and makes an excellent grab-and-reheat lunch for busy weekdays.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers, and the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, especially in quick-cooked dishes like Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Just slice them thin and cook as directed for delicious results.
How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?
The key is to stir fry the broccoli just until it turns bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Don’t overcook it; that way it keeps both color and crunch when tossed with the chicken and sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
You can easily make your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, plus double-checking that your oyster and hoisin sauces are GF-friendly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in thinly sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for even more color, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste.
What’s the best way to prep this ahead of time?
For maximum speed on busy nights, slice your chicken and broccoli ahead and have your sauce premixed in the fridge. When dinner’s on the horizon, just heat your pan and jump right into cooking!
Final Thoughts
Once you see how quick and satisfying it is to make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry at home, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for takeout. Give this recipe a try—you’ll have a vibrant, saucy, and utterly crave-worthy dish on your table in no time!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender slices of chicken and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory sauce, making it a delicious meal served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for more variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
