Chinese Chicken and Broccoli: A Restaurant-Quality Recipe for Your Home
This easy Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe delivers the authentic flavors of your favorite takeout, but without the added sodium and MSG. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply satisfying a craving for delicious Chinese food. Learn how to make this classic dish at home!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be adaptable to your spice preferences and what you have on hand.
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Other:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is broken down into manageable steps to ensure success.
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and allows the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Overcooking will result in mushy broccoli. Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli in the sauce. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Chinese Chicken and Broccoli:
- Don't overcook the broccoli! Aim for tender-crisp florets.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would be delicious additions.
- Use different protein: Shrimp or tofu can be substituted for chicken.
- Make it a healthier option: Use less oil and brown sugar.
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your homemade Chinese chicken and broccoli! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media using #ChineseChickenAndBroccoli #HomemadeChineseFood. Happy cooking!
