Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Why You’ll Love Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes

• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients

• Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners

• Balanced meal with protein and veggies

• Deliciously savory with just a touch of sweetness

• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein

• Ideal for beginner cooks

• Lower in calories compared to takeout versions

• Family-friendly and kid-approved

• Tastes even better the next day

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Marinade:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tsp honey
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch

For the Stir Fry:
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
2 tbsp cooking oil, separated
1 crown broccoli, cut into florets
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt, to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and garlic, stir-frying for about 5 minutes until chicken is mostly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the remaining oil along with chicken broth and broccoli. Cover and cook over medium heat for 1 minute. Uncover and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.

4. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add oyster sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together until heated through and evenly coated.

5. Remove from heat and serve warm, ideally with steamed white rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Variations

• Protein swap: Use beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.

• Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for heat.

• Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt.

• Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.

• Vegan version: Substitute chicken with tofu and use a plant-based oyster sauce.

• Thicker sauce: Mix 1 tsp more cornstarch with water and add during the last minute of cooking.

• Nutty twist: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews before serving.

• Citrusy flair: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus note.

• Sweet-savory: Add a touch more honey or brown sugar for a sweeter version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for tenderness and flavor, but chicken breast can also be used.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop the broccoli a day ahead. Cook when ready to serve.

Is this dish spicy?

No, the original recipe is mild. You can add heat if desired with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs perfectly with white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water during the final stir-fry step.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari and a gluten-free oyster sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp?

Don’t overcook it. Stir-frying for just 2–3 minutes after steaming keeps it tender-crisp.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute with hoisin sauce or simply increase the soy sauce and add a touch of sugar for a similar depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that brings bold Asian flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of protein and veggies with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, this stir-fry is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.