Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe: A Weeknight Winner
When I think of a dish that brings warmth and comfort on a busy weeknight, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli immediately comes to mind. This vibrant stir-fry is not just a visual delight with its eye-catching green broccoli and tender chicken; it’s also packed with flavor thanks to the savory sauce and aromatic ginger and garlic. Perfect for busy families, this dish can be whipped up in no time and is guaranteed to satisfy hungry bellies.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli a regular staple in your kitchen. First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
But perhaps the best part? This dish is genuinely enjoyable for the whole family. Kids love the tender chicken and crisp broccoli, and the lightly sweet sauce will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds.
"This recipe is a total winner at our dinner table! In under 30 minutes, we have a delicious meal that everyone loves. Highly recommended!"
Preparing Chinese Chicken and Broccoli: An Overview
This mouthwatering dish comes together in various simple steps. To break it down, you’ll start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Next, you’ll whip up a savory sauce that ties everything together. Finally, you’ll stir-fry the chicken and broccoli until everything is cooked to perfection. The best part? It all happens in under 30 minutes!
What You’ll Need
To create this delicious dish, gather these ingredients:
- 20 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into ¼ inch slices (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine (for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (use a bit less if using fine salt)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- ⅔ cup light sodium soy sauce
- ⅔ cup water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil (adds a lovely nutty flavor)
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets (about 1 crown)
- 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 cloves)
- 1½ tablespoons ginger, minced (about a 1½ inch knob)
Feel free to substitute with other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or snap peas, to customize this dish to your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down how to bring this dish to the table:
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken slices, water, Shaoxing cooking wine, kosher salt, baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
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Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sugar, and 2½ tablespoons of cornstarch. This will create a deliciously thick sauce.
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Cook the chicken and broccoli: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Stir-fry the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. Then stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
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Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, consider over a bed of warm jasmine rice or steamed white rice for a traditional experience. You could also pair it with some fluffy fried rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. And don’t forget to add some sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, go ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it back on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. While freezing can be a good option, I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste and texture.
Extra Advice for Success
Here are some helpful tips for creating the perfect Chinese Chicken and Broccoli:
- Marinate longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to an hour or even overnight for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-frying works best when ingredients aren’t crowded, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Taste as you go: The balance of sweet and savory can vary based on personal preference. Adjust the sauce ingredients accordingly for your taste!
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit your taste buds. You can add a splash of chili sauce for a spicy kick, swap the broccoli for bok choy or snow peas, or even incorporate some cashews for added crunch. Vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with tofu for a plant-based version.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does this dish take to prepare?
A: The entire process can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken or broccoli?
A: While fresh ingredients yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken and broccoli. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Q: Is there a gluten-free alternative for soy sauce?
A: Absolutely! Look for tamari sauce, which is often a gluten-free alternative.
Enjoy making this delightful Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish, and bring a taste of home to your table tonight!
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chicken slices, water, Shaoxing cooking wine, kosher salt, baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sugar, and 2½ tablespoons of cornstarch to create a thick sauce.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until just tender. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil before serving.
