If you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful dinner that comes together in a flash, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce that balances soy, ginger, and a hint of heat, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings that classic takeout favorite right into your kitchen with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch. Every bite bursts with texture and flavor, making it a reliable go-to when you want something healthy yet totally satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe right is all about simple, everyday ingredients that together create a beautiful harmony. Each item plays a valuable role — from the crunchy broccoli to the rich sauces — delivering layers of flavor and a wonderful texture contrast.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, absorbing all the delicious marinade flavors.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Essential for stir-frying and giving everything that perfect sear and slight caramelization.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a bright, zesty zing that lifts the whole recipe.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone with a deep umami richness.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that’s iconic in stir fries.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity to balance the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used for both marinating and thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and moist without overpowering ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that makes the dish truly authentic.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A sprinkle of heat to give your stir fry a little kick if you like things spicy.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that wake up all the flavors.
- Cooked white rice or noodles for serving: The perfect base to soak up that luscious sauce.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Adds a lovely finishing touch of texture and freshness.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by combining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. Toss your thinly sliced chicken breast in this mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This quick marinade helps tenderize the chicken and ensures it’s bursting with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This sauce is the heart of your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe, combining savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and just start to become tender. The broccoli should still have a bit of crunch — this contrast is key to a satisfying dish. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside for later.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through and nicely golden. You want the chicken to be juicy inside but with a slight crisp outside.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for just about 1 minute until fragrant. This step is where those classic Asian flavors really deepen, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent that signals dinner is almost ready.
Step 6: Combine and Sauce
Return the broccoli to the pan and mix everything together nicely. Pour in the prepared stir fry sauce and toss to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly. Keep stirring for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens, becoming glossy and clinging to every delicious bite.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Once your sauce has thickened and everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve this vibrant Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe over warm white rice or your favorite noodles, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you want that extra pop of flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your dish beyond the basics, don’t skip the garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while thinly sliced green onions bring a fresh, zesty brightness. Both make the dish look as good as it tastes, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a more complete meal, try serving with a light cucumber salad or some steamed dumplings to round out the Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve the stir fry in lettuce cups for a low-carb option or pile it onto a bed of cauliflower rice for an extra veggie boost. Adding crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili oil can also bring new layers of texture and heat to keep your taste buds intrigued.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve its texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this stir fry freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will stay good for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the broccoli might soften slightly after freezing, but it still tastes great reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce and keep the chicken tender. You can also microwave it, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic for this recipe, bell peppers, snap peas, or even baby corn can be great substitutes or additions. Just adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp and vibrant.
Is chicken breast the best choice for this stir fry?
Chicken breast is preferred for its lean quality and quick cooking, but boneless chicken thighs can offer more juiciness and flavor if you’re looking for a richer taste.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a higher amount of red pepper flakes, include sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking, or drizzle chili oil over the finished dish. It’s easy to customize the heat level to suit your preference.
Can I prepare this dish without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar for sweetness. The flavor will vary slightly but still delicious.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for this recipe?
Slice the chicken into thin, even strips against the grain. This results in tender pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy, perfect for stir frying.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a delightful blend of ease, flavor, and vibrant nutrition that makes weeknight dinners something to look forward to. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels both special and comforting. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorite quick meals to make and share. So go on, gather your ingredients, heat up the wok, and enjoy every savory bite!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender slices of chicken breast are marinated and stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets, then coated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger. Served over steamed white rice or noodles, this dish offers a delicious balance of protein and vegetables with a hint of spice and sesame oil for extra depth.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (divided)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (divided)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Aromatics and Oils
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
Optional Garnishes & Serving
- Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to this mixture and let it marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Make the stir-fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup minus 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, the remaining cornstarch, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Combine broccoli and chicken: Return the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the vegetables and chicken evenly.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the previously prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the chicken and broccoli stir fry immediately over warm cooked white rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken not only infuses flavor but also keeps it tender during stir-frying.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content in the dish.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for variety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit them entirely for a milder taste.
- Ensure the skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve proper stir-frying and prevent steaming.
- Serve immediately after cooking as stir-fried dishes taste best fresh.
