If you’re craving a healthy, vibrant dinner that’s ready faster than takeout and bursting with flavor, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry will take center stage in your kitchen. Juicy strips of chicken breast and emerald broccoli florets get tossed with a luscious, umami-rich sauce that hits every note: sweet, tangy, salty, and deeply savory. With a quick prep and a speedy cook, even weeknight dinners feel a little more special, all while keeping things wholesome and satisfying. This is a stir fry you’ll want to add to your rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to create incredible flavor! Each ingredient in this dish plays a special role, whether it’s building the base of the sauce, adding crunch, or tying everything together with mouthwatering aromas and vibrant color.
- Chicken breast: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks super fast and stays juicy in the stir fry.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or thawed florets bring a beautiful green color, plenty of fiber, and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for stir frying; helps everything brown up without sticking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with irresistible fragrance and flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty, warming kick that’s unmistakably Asian.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The foundation of a savory, balanced sauce with less saltiness.
- Oyster sauce: Delivers classic Chinese stir fry depth with an umami punch.
- Hoisin sauce: For touch of sweetness and complexity in the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly for that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
- Rice vinegar: Lifts and brightens all the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the savory notes with subtle sweetness.
- Chicken broth or water: Adds just enough liquid to keep everything saucy and satisfying.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A nutty little garnish that adds crunch and flair.
- Sliced green onions (optional): For a fresh, colorful finishing touch.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Together the Stir Fry Sauce
Start your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth (or water), and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and glossy! Making this sauce ahead of time means there’s no scrambling later, and every bite of chicken and broccoli gets perfectly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Add one tablespoon of oil to your wok or skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s cooked through and developing those lovely golden edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and stir frequently so every piece browns beautifully. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate and get ready to move fast!
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil, and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds—just until their aromas fill your kitchen and you can’t resist taking a deep breath. You want them fragrant, not burnt, so keep things moving with a spatula.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Time to add those vibrant broccoli florets. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes, making sure to toss constantly, until the broccoli turns a vivid green and is just tender but still crisp. If you like your vegetables a bit softer, add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam and soften them up.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour in the stir fry sauce you made in step one. Stir everything well so the sauce evenly coats every piece of chicken and broccoli. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, watching as the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to your stir fry. It’s time to serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry hot and fresh!
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, a quick sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions takes the presentation up a notch. Not only do these toppings add gorgeous visual contrast, but they also deliver satisfying crunch and a bright, subtle onion flavor that complements the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is perfection over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, making sure you don’t miss a drop of that savory sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with garlic fried rice, cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, or even slippery rice noodles for an extra slurpable experience. Pairing it with a quick cucumber salad or light Asian slaw adds a refreshing, crisp bite alongside the savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight meals, you can serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry family-style in a big bowl for everyone to dig in. Hosting friends? Dish into individual rice bowls and sprinkle with plenty of garnishes for a takeout-at-home vibe. Want something unique? Pile it into lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on meal or spoon it over crispy noodle cakes for a restaurant-inspired touch that’ll wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers seriously crave-worthy! Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain that lovely texture.
Freezing
Freezing works best if you slightly undercook the vegetables and chicken before storing. Transfer cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add the stir fry to a hot skillet over medium heat, tossing until warmed through, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep everything evenly heated. A splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and freshen up the dish if it’s looking a little thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for chicken breast in Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. They’re juicier and add even more flavor, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This dish isn’t automatically gluten-free due to soy sauce and hoisin sauce, but you can make it gluten-free by opting for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and a certified gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for a boost of color and crunch. The Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is endlessly customizable to suit your veggie cravings.
What’s the difference between oyster sauce and hoisin sauce?
Oyster sauce is savory with deep umami and a hint of briny sweetness, while hoisin sauce is thicker, a bit sweeter, and more complex with notes of soy, garlic, and spice. Both work together to create the classic flavor profile in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu (pressed and cubed), use vegetable broth, and opt for mushroom stir fry sauce in place of oyster sauce. You’ll get all the flavor and satisfaction in a meat-free version!
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry, you’ll see why it’s a weeknight superstar and a better-than-takeout favorite. The fresh crunch of broccoli, juicy chicken, and glossy, flavor-packed sauce come together so simply, yet so impressively. Give it a whirl in your kitchen—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory sauce, creating a delicious stir-fry that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Customize with your favorite vegetables for a meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon 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 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, stir-fry chicken until cooked and browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Add remaining oil, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook until fragrant. Add broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Return chicken to the pan.
- Finish: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Cook until thickened. Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For faster prep, use pre-cut broccoli or frozen florets (thawed).
- You can swap chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
