Irresistible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe for Beginners

Sizzling woks and aromatic spices blend perfectly in this authentic Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe that captures the essence of takeout comfort.

Home cooking reaches new heights with tender chicken strips and crisp broccoli florets dancing in a savory sauce.

Each bite delivers restaurant-quality flavors without leaving your kitchen.

The classic dish brings together protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich vegetables in a harmonious balance.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet delicious meal that comes together in mere minutes.

Restaurants can’t compete with the fresh, homemade goodness you’ll create.

Get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible Chinese classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and essential saltiness to create a rich, savory base for the sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a light, subtle liquid foundation that helps balance and thin the glaze.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Introduces a gentle sweetness that rounds out the sauce's complex flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers a nutty, aromatic essence that elevates the entire dish's authenticity.
• Corn Starch: Acts as a thickening agent to transform the liquid into a glossy, clingy glaze.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinades beautifully and provides a tender, wholesome centerpiece.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Onion: Brings a sweet, sharp base layer that builds depth in the stir-fry.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, warming note that's quintessential in Chinese cooking.
• Ginger: Provides a zesty, spicy kick that brightens the entire dish.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant green color, crisp texture, and nutritional boost.

• Sesame Seeds: Offers a delightful crunch and toasty flavor as a classic garnish.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning.
• Coarse Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and aromatic warmth.

Tools for Stir-Frying Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Efficiently

• Large skillet: Essential for stir-frying chicken, aromatics, and combining all ingredients.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for mixing and heating the soy glaze ingredients.
• Whisk: Needed to blend corn starch smoothly into the glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.

Instructions to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli at Home

Soy Maple Magic

• Flavor Foundation A quick blend of vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup creates a deliciously smooth glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular.
• Chicken Preparation Slice chicken into tender pieces and season with a light sprinkle of salt, ready to be transformed in a sizzling hot skillet.
• Golden Sear Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior, locking in those mouthwatering juices.
• Aromatic Symphony Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger into the same skillet, releasing an incredible fragrance that signals something delicious is happening.
• Glaze and Mingle Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, letting it simmer and thicken while adding broccoli florets that will soak up all those incredible flavors.
• Final Touch Plate your creation over steamed rice, sprinkling sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and visual appeal that makes this dish Instagram-worthy.

Sauce Ideas for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipes

• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different soy sauces like dark or light varieties to create unique depth in your glaze. Tamari works wonderfully for a gluten-free alternative with rich umami notes.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to keep the dish exciting and match different dietary preferences. Each protein brings its own delicious character to the stir-fry.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers for a fiery kick that transforms the dish. Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of spicy ingredients to suit your taste buds.
• Veggie Variations: Include additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to increase nutrition and create more colorful, textured meals. These extras bring extra crunch and complement the existing broccoli perfectly.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or planned dinners. Pro tip: Keep the rice separate to maintain optimal texture when reheating.

Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Over Rice or Noodles

• Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair this delightful chicken and broccoli dish with fluffy steamed white rice or nutty quinoa for a complete, satisfying dinner that warms your soul.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange the glazed chicken and bright green broccoli in a shallow bowl, creating an elegant restaurant-inspired presentation that's visually appealing and Instagram-worthy.
• Flavor Boost Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes on top to add extra crunch, color, and a pop of zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick Family Meal Hack: Transform leftovers into a next-day lunch by wrapping the chicken and broccoli in warm tortillas or tossing with cold noodles for a quick and delicious meal prep option.

Store Chinese Chicken and Broccoli and Retain Freshness

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Separate chicken and broccoli from rice to keep ingredients crisp and prevent soggy textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze unglazed chicken and broccoli separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve original flavors and tender meat texture.
• Meal Prep Technique: Prepare chicken, chop broccoli, and mix glaze ingredients in advance. Store components separately in sealed containers for quick weeknight assembly. Keeps ingredients fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Magic: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispy edges and prevent drying. Add a splash of broth or water to revive sauce consistency and maintain juicy chicken quality. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery meat texture.

Savory Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting stir-fried Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe delivers authentic Asian flavors with tender meat and crisp vegetables. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic dish, enjoying restaurant-quality results in less than 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, boneless, skinless, thinly sliced
• 12 oz (340 g) broccoli florets, about 3 cups
• ¾ cup (120 g) onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped, about 1 tbsp
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce, low-sodium
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth, low-sodium
• 1 tbsp maple syrup, pure
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, finely chopped, packed
• ¼ tsp salt, kosher
• ¼ tsp pepper, coarse black
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Soy Glaze Preparation: Combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup in a microwave-safe container. Heat until warm, then whisk in corn starch to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and cook until golden-brown on all sides, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes, releasing their fragrant essence.
4. Glazing and Combining: Pour the prepared soy glaze into the skillet with aromatics, allowing it to simmer and thicken. Return the chicken and add broccoli florets, coating everything thoroughly in the savory sauce.
5. Final Cooking: Stir-fry the chicken and broccoli for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the broccoli remains tender-crisp and fully infused with the glaze.
6. Serving: Plate over steamed rice or quinoa, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Glaze Perfection: Whisk corn starch thoroughly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky smooth sauce with glossy finish.
• Heat Management: Maintain medium-high heat to develop golden-brown chicken crust without burning or drying out meat.
• Aromatics Magic: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger quickly to release maximum flavor without causing bitter undertones.
• Broccoli Crunch: Stir-fry broccoli briefly to preserve vibrant green color and maintain desirable tender-crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg