Get ready to fall in love with Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: a dish that brings the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and savory sauces together with tender chicken and crisp broccoli for a lightning-fast, family-friendly dinner. Whether you’re craving a takeout favorite or searching for a healthier weeknight meal, this recipe is here to satisfy—with succulent bites, vibrant color, and a sauce that clings just right. You won’t believe how easy it is to create this classic, right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry couldn’t be easier—each one plays a special role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From tender chicken to umami-packed sauces and fresh aromatics, every component has its moment to shine.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender, providing the hearty base of the stir fry.
- Broccoli florets: Use fresh, snappy florets for vivid color and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Vegetable oil: This neutral oil is perfect for high-heat stir-frying, letting the fresh flavors stand front and center.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punchy, fragrant aroma that’s essential to authentic flavor.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger brings zest and depth, waking up the entire dish with every stir.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This forms the salty backbone of your sauce, so you get robust flavor without going overboard on salt.
- Oyster sauce: Delivers a hit of complex umami and sweet-savory notes—don’t skip it!
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a gentle sweetness and a touch of richness to perfectly round out the stir fry.
- Cornstarch: A bit mixed into the sauce is the secret to that glossy, luscious stir fry finish.
- Chicken broth or water: Helps blend and loosen the sauce just enough to coat every morsel.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon infuses the stir fry with warm, nutty aroma at the very end.
- Brown sugar: A touch balances salt and spice, giving the sauce delightful complexity.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Sprinkle these on top for a pop of freshness and a hint of crunch—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix Your Stir Fry Sauce
Start off by whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), sesame oil, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This super-simple sauce is the secret that brings your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry together, infusing every bite with tons of flavor while creating that silky, restaurant-style texture you love.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up half your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add in the thinly sliced chicken. Let it cook, stirring often, for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; this helps prevent overcooking and ensures it stays juicy later on.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
With the chicken out, add the rest of the oil to your pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The aroma will be amazing and sets the stage for the veggies—just be careful not to let these burn, as that can add bitterness to the dish.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the sizzling aromatics and give them a toss. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring regularly. If your pan looks a little dry or if you want your broccoli more tender, add a splash of water to help steam it. The goal is vibrant, crisp-tender florets that soak up the sauce later.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in your premixed sauce and stir well so everything gets nicely coated. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens up and clings to the chicken and broccoli. You’ll see the color deepen and the texture become gloriously glossy—your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is nearly ready!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
As soon as you remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle over sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions if you’re using them. The fresh and nutty toppings are a simple touch that makes your homemade stir fry feel extra-special every time.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finish your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thin-sliced green onions for a burst of color and subtle crunch. If you like it spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds a fiery kick that wakes up the dish without overwhelming the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is absolutely perfect piled over freshly steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. The saucy chicken and broccoli shine when paired with simple grains or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For an extra takeout-style meal, try serving it alongside homemade egg rolls or a quick cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving your stir fry in shallow bowls with a lime wedge and extra green onion on the side for a customizable finish. For meal prep, pack the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry into individual bento boxes with rice for a grab-and-go lunch that looks as good as it tastes. You can also spoon the stir fry inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will keep everything moist, and the flavors actually intensify a little overnight, which means tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your stir fry, make sure to cool it thoroughly and scoop into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind, broccoli can lose some of its crunch after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. The microwave works too; just cover the dish and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until everything is hot and steamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor to Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Just slice them thinly as you would the breast and follow the same cooking steps for tasty results.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use more hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a dash of fish sauce and a tiny bit of sugar for a similar sweet-savory depth. The flavor won’t be identical, but your stir fry will still be delicious.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
The key is slicing the chicken thinly and not overcooking it. Quick, high-heat stir-frying locks in moisture, and the sauce helps keep everything extra-juicy. Marinating the chicken in a little soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking can also help tenderize the meat.
Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, sliced carrots, or baby corn to make your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry even more colorful and nutritious. Just add harder vegetables earlier in the cooking process so they have time to soften up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe isn’t fully gluten-free since soy sauce and oyster sauce typically contain wheat. However, if you use certified gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives, you can easily adapt this dish for a gluten-free meal without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how a few fresh ingredients and a trusty skillet can transport you straight to your favorite restaurant! Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a true weeknight hero—satisfying, quick, and so full of flavor you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation, delighting everyone at your table.
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese-American dish featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli stir-fried in a savory sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced thin)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 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
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Garnish:
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- Stir Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to help steam. Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well to coat everything. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce.
- You can blanch the broccoli ahead of time to speed up cooking.
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