Ah, Chinese Chicken and Broccoli! This dish has quite the special place in my heart—and stomach! I can’t count how many weekends I’ve spent trying to master that perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and that luscious, savory sauce. Growing up, takeout was a big deal in our house, and this dish was always a family favorite. What I love about making it at home is I get to control the ingredients and make it just the way I like it… which means extra sauce, of course!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends came over for a dinner gathering. I was so stressed about impressing everyone, but as soon as I served it, the compliments flooded in! Now, whenever someone asks me for a quick, delicious dinner idea, you can bet I point them straight to this recipe. So, let’s dive into what makes this dish delightful!
What’s in Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean and tender quality. You can also use thighs if you’re feeling adventurous!
Broccoli: This vibrant veggie not only adds a pop of color but also a crunch! Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works too in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: This umami-packed sauce is what brings all the flavors together. Go for low-sodium soy sauce to keep it a bit healthier.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aromatic touch that elevates the dish. Remember, there’s no such thing as too much garlic in my kitchen!
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a lovely warmth and depth to the sauce. It’s a game-changer!
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible. A little goes a long way!
Chicken Broth: I like to use low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for thickening the sauce and giving it that perfect glossy finish.
Is Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Good for You?
If you’re looking for a nutritious dish, you’ve hit the jackpot with Chinese Chicken and Broccoli! The combination of lean protein from the chicken and the vitamins and minerals from the broccoli makes it a well-balanced meal.
Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall health. Plus, it’s low in fat!
Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli is fantastic for your immune system and digestion.
On the flip side, just keep in mind the soy sauce content, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake. Using low-sodium options can help mitigate this. Overall, it’s a wholesome dish to enjoy!
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water for thickening)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
– Optional: Cooked rice for serving
This recipe serves about 4 people—perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends!
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?
1. **Prep the Ingredients**: Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets if using fresh.
2. **Make the Sauce**: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and chicken broth until well blended. Set it aside.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Add the Broccoli**: Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and somewhat tender.
5. **Add the Sauce**: Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Stir well to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly.
6. **Thicken the Sauce**: Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. **Serve**: Remove from heat and serve hot over cooked rice.
Delicious Tips & Serving Suggestions
I like to make my Chinese Chicken and Broccoli extra colorful by adding some red bell peppers or carrots for a vibrant twist. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, making it a versatile dish. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving for that restaurant-quality presentation.
And if you have leftovers (if there’s any, right?), this dish reheats beautifully in the microwave. Just be careful not to overcook the broccoli when reheating, as we still want that beautiful crunch!
I hope you give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! When you do, let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
