This is a classic Chinese takeout dish made healthier and fresher at home! Tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a flavorful, savory sauce that’s quick to make and utterly satisfying.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious and flavorful meal.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to your liking – add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or use different sauces.
- Better Than Takeout: Control the ingredients and sodium levels for a healthier and tastier version of your favorite takeout dish.
Introduction
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a staple in many households for good reason. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures – the tender chicken, the slightly crunchy broccoli, and the rich, umami-packed sauce all come together in perfect harmony. However, often the takeout versions are laden with sodium, unhealthy fats, and unnecessary additives. This homemade recipe offers a much healthier and equally delicious alternative.
The beauty of stir-fries lies in their simplicity and adaptability. It’s a cooking method that allows for endless experimentation with different ingredients and flavor combinations. In this particular recipe, we’ll focus on creating a well-balanced sauce that complements the chicken and broccoli without overpowering them. The key to a good stir-fry is in the preparation – having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and quickly, resulting in a perfectly textured and flavorful dish.
This recipe is not just about following instructions; it’s about understanding the principles of stir-frying and learning how to create a dish that suits your taste preferences. So, grab your wok (or a large skillet), gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired to create more delicious meals at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth paste. This marinade not only adds flavor to the chicken but also helps to tenderize it, ensuring that it stays juicy and succulent during the stir-frying process. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the bowl and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for even better flavor penetration. While the chicken is marinating, you can proceed with preparing the other ingredients for the stir-fry.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce (3 tablespoons), oyster sauce, rice vinegar, remaining cornstarch (2 teaspoons), chicken broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and homogenous. This sauce will be the star of the dish, so it’s important to get the balance of flavors just right. The soy sauce provides the saltiness, the oyster sauce adds umami richness, the rice vinegar lends a touch of acidity, and the sesame oil contributes a nutty aroma. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or honey. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the broccoli – this will help it to stay crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy. Add the fresh broccoli florets to the hot oil and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. It’s important not to overcook the broccoli at this stage, as it will continue to cook later in the stir-fry. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside. This pre-cooking step ensures that the broccoli retains its vibrant color and slightly crunchy texture in the final dish.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet or wok. Ensure the pan is adequately heated before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. The chicken should be slightly browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of stir-fry. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Step 5: Add Aromatics:
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Continue to cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic and ginger become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic and ginger add a wonderful aromatic dimension to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 6: Combine with Broccoli:
Return the pre-cooked broccoli to the skillet or wok and mix it with the cooked chicken, garlic, and ginger. Toss everything together to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and broccoli. The cornstarch in the sauce will thicken it as it heats up, creating a glossy and flavorful coating. Ensure that every piece of chicken and broccoli is coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 8: Serve:
Remove the stir-fry from the heat and serve it immediately over warm cooked white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired, for added flavor and visual appeal.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease: Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Time: Quick
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Pair with egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete meal.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Tips:
- Slice the chicken thinly for faster and more even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli, you want it to be tender-crisp.
- Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your liking.
- Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve the best results.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or health when preparing quick and easy meals. By using fresh ingredients and controlling the amount of sodium and fat, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and good for you. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for exploring the world of stir-fries. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and sauces to create your own unique variations. The possibilities are endless! So, the next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, skip the delivery and whip up this homemade stir-fry instead. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but keep in mind that it may not be as crisp as fresh broccoli. Thaw the frozen broccoli before stir-frying and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q2: I don’t have oyster sauce. Can I substitute something else?
A: Oyster sauce adds a unique umami flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of brown sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water before stir-frying. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.
Q4: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
A: Definitely! Stir-fries are very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to this recipe. Some great additions include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that all the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
