Description
Delicious homemade chicken and broccoli Chinese takeout brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen. Crispy chicken, tender broccoli, and savory sauce combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), thinly sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter version)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
Serving Suggestions:
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds & sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Infuse sliced chicken with a robust marinade of umami-rich soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing the proteins to absorb flavor and develop a silky texture for approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Craft a complex sauce by blending soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch into a harmonious liquid that will elevate the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Sear marinated chicken pieces in a scorching hot pan, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and develops deep caramelized notes. Transfer the expertly cooked chicken to a holding plate.
- Transform the same cooking vessel by introducing broccoli florets, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Rapidly stir-fry the vegetables to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, then introduce a splash of water to create a quick steam environment.
- Reunite the reserved chicken with the verdant broccoli mixture, then cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Gently toss and allow the sauce to thicken, coating every morsel with a glossy, flavor-packed glaze.
- Present the aromatic creation atop a bed of fluffy rice or tender noodles, garnishing with a delicate shower of toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions for a final flourish of freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Marinating chicken with cornstarch helps create a silky, tender texture by trapping moisture and preventing protein fibers from tightening during cooking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and allow more flexibility in seasoning the final dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.
- Ensure broccoli remains crisp-tender by avoiding overcooking; quick stir-frying preserves nutrients and maintains a vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg