The aroma of tender chicken sizzling in a savory garlic sauce, paired with crisp broccoli, is the kind of magic that can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration. This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe brings together bright flavors and textures that dance on your palate, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or impressing friends on a casual night in. garlic parmesan chicken.
As I stood in my kitchen, recalling the many times my mom would whip up this dish after long days at work, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Every bite of this delicious meal reminds me of laughter and warmth around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your cravings or want to reminisce about family gatherings, this dish promises to deliver amazing flavor experiences that you won’t soon forget.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile balances savory and slightly sweet notes, making every bite enjoyable.
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice or noodles as you prefer!
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on your appetite.
- Fresh Broccoli: Use fresh florets for the best crunch; frozen broccoli can work in a pinch but may be softer.
- Garlic: Two cloves minced will add a fragrant kick; adjust according to your love for garlic.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance saltiness while maximizing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully.
For the Sauce:
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances the umami flavor profile; don’t skip it! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter lobster tail recipe.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce; mix it with water before adding it into the pan.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing your broccoli and chopping it into bite-sized florets. Next, slice your chicken breasts into thin strips for even cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Toss in your chicken strips ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes while you sip on some tea.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips (reserve leftover marinade) and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Introduce your fresh broccoli florets into the skillet with the chicken. Stir-fry everything together for about another five minutes until broccoli turns bright green but retains its crunch.
Step 5: Create Sauce
Pour in reserved marinade along with cornstarch mixed with water into the skillet. Stir continuously until sauce thickens—this should take about two minutes.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your delightful creation onto plates or bowls over steamed rice or noodles if desired. Drizzle any leftover sauce over each serving for an extra punch!
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe not only fills bellies but warms hearts too! Enjoy every scrumptious bite and don’t forget to share with loved ones—or keep it all to yourself (I won’t tell!).
You Must Know
- This amazing Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors.
- It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Plus, it feels like a gourmet dish without the restaurant price tag.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken while you chop the broccoli. Sear the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown, then toss in the broccoli. Add your sauce last so everything shines with flavor without overcooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers for a twist. Throw in some cashews or sesame seeds for crunch. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin to personalize this dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring your chicken remains juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For succulent chicken, let it rest after cooking to lock in moisture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures even cooking and browning.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for that authentic flavor punch that transports you straight to China!
I once made this Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe for friends who were skeptical about my cooking skills. Their delighted reactions made me feel like a culinary superstar that night, and now I can’t help but chuckle every time I recall their surprised faces!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
To make a delicious Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe, you will need boneless chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Additionally, you can use rice for serving and optional ingredients like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition. Ensuring you have all these ingredients ready will streamline your cooking process.
How long does it take to prepare the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Preparing the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe typically takes around 15 minutes, while cooking it may take an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This makes the dish a quick option for weeknight dinners. By using pre-cut vegetables or leftover cooked chicken, you can further reduce preparation time, making it even more convenient.
Can I make this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe in advance. Cooked chicken and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
What variations can I try with the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
There are several variations you can try with the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. For instance, you can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein source. Additionally, experimenting with various sauces like oyster sauce or adding vegetables such as snap peas or baby corn can enhance flavor and nutrition while keeping the dish interesting.
Conclusion for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe :
In summary, this easy-to-follow Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe offers a quick yet flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like chicken breast, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, you can create a nutritious dish in under 30 minutes. delicious chicken stir fry Whether enjoyed fresh or as meal prep leftovers, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. cabbage stir fry recipe Enjoy this delightful Asian-inspired dish that satisfies both taste buds and health goals!
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into a culinary delight. This recipe features tender chicken in a savory garlic sauce paired with vibrant broccoli, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for busy evenings, it can be served over rice or noodles, satisfying both cravings and nostalgia effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 pieces)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the broccoli and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar. Add the chicken strips and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Pour in reserved marinade along with cornstarch mixture; stir continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Serve over rice or noodles with extra sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute broccoli with snap peas or bell peppers for different flavors or add cashews for crunch. For meal prep, store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days.