Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a classic dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. This recipe is not only a quick and easy weeknight meal but also a nutritious option packed with protein and vitamins. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish a family favorite that can be enjoyed with rice or noodles.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its simplicity and authenticity. Growing up, my family often indulged in takeout, with Chinese Chicken and Broccoli being a staple. The rich umami flavors and vibrant colors always brought a smile to my face. I decided to recreate this dish at home, and it quickly became a go-to meal for busy weeknights. The best part? You can control the ingredients, making it healthier and just as delicious as your favorite restaurant version.
Tips and Tricks
To make this dish easier and faster, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the chicken and broccoli in advance and store them in the fridge. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor, so plan for that extra time. For a more flavorful sauce, incorporate a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil into the mix. Also, using a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola oil will give you a better sear on the chicken.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The broccoli can also be prepped in advance and stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to cook the dish fully in advance, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent overcooking.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize the recipe! You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Experiment with adding different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients. For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color. A drizzle of additional soy sauce can enhance the flavor, and serving with lime wedges adds a zesty brightness that complements the dish beautifully.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a refreshing iced jasmine tea or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic would be a great match. For sides, consider serving egg rolls or a simple cucumber salad. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet would cleanse the palate perfectly.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container where it can last for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a large skillet or wok for stir-frying. A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the ingredients are essential. If you have a food processor, it can be handy for mincing garlic and ginger quickly. Alternatives include a regular frying pan and a box grater for the ginger and garlic if you don’t have a food processor.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this dish vegan, replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use a plant-based soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. You can also substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or agave for a healthier sweetener.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring and summer, consider adding fresh snap peas or bok choy for a seasonal twist. In fall, you could incorporate sliced mushrooms or even pumpkin for a heartier flavor. Winter may call for using frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available, ensuring you always have access to this delightful dish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but add it directly to the pan without blanching. It may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What can I substitute for chicken? You can use shrimp, beef, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How long should I cook the chicken? Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a classic dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined.
- Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water to keep it crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the blanched broccoli. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 318Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 1095mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 40g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a wonderful dish that brings a taste of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. It’s a straightforward yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience to savor. Enjoy creating this dish and making it your own!
