Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same.
Let’s admit it, there are days when you want to whip up something delicious without having to train for a marathon in the kitchen. Well, my friend, you’re in luck! I’ve got a super simple, incredibly tasty recipe for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli that’ll have you looking like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Seriously, it’s so easy, even your cat could probably pull it off. Let’s dive right in!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, who doesn’t love a one-pan wonder? This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish is not only quick, but it’s also loaded with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s like a fancy dinner out at a Chinese restaurant, but you can enjoy it in your pajamas. And do you know what’s even better? It’s idiot-proof. If I can do it—and trust me, I’m the person who once burned water—you can totally nail this recipe.
Want to impress someone? Check. Want to eat something healthy? Check. Want to cook something that doesn’t require fancy skills? Double-check. You really can’t go wrong here. So grab your spatula and let’s get into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list for this culinary masterpiece. Nothing fancy, just good old stuff.
- 2 cups of broccoli florets: Because you need some greens in your life.
- 1 lb of chicken breast: This guy is the star of the show, so make sure it’s fresh.
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce: The magical liquid that makes everything tastier.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Because why not? Garlic is life.
- 1 tablespoon of ginger: Gives a nice kick, plus we all love a little spice.
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch: To make everything nice and saucy.
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil: You need something to prevent sticking, right?
- Salt and pepper to taste: You know how to use these so I won’t insult your intelligence.
You can also throw in some rice if you want to go all out—because who are we to deprive ourselves of carbs? Just keep in mind, you might need to plan a little ahead for that one.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Grab your apron, put on some tunes, and let’s do this!
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Prep the Chicken: Slice your chicken breast into thin strips. Aim for bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Remember, we eat with our eyes too—no one wants to see giant chunks that look like they fell from the sky.
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Season the Chicken: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over your chicken pieces. Don’t go crazy; we don’t want a salt lick here, just enough to make it tasty.
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Garlic and Ginger Time: Mince those cloves of garlic and shred your ginger. A little tip: if you have a box grater, use that for the ginger. It’s way easier than trying to chop it like it’s some kind of vegetable ninja.
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Heat Things Up: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking like a dragon.
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Cook the Chicken: Toss your chicken into the skillet and stir fry for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Keep it moving! You want that beautiful sear but not rubbery chicken.
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Add the Veggies: Throw in your broccoli and continue to stir for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes a bit tender. We want it to be vibrant, so no mushy broccoli here, folks.
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Flavor Town: Add in the minced garlic and ginger, stir for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like a little slice of heaven.
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Sauce It Up: Mix the soy sauce and cornstarch in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Pour this over the cooked chicken and broccoli, and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Serve and Devour: You did it! Serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli over some steaming hot rice or enjoy it straight from the pan like a boss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few rookie moves to steer clear of, because we want your meal to be the best, right?
- Skipping the marinating: Seriously, don’t skimp on flavor. It’s chicken; it deserves it!
- Overcrowding the pan: If you dump all your chicken in at once and let it stew, you will end up with sad, steamed chicken instead of glorious stir-fried bites.
- Leaving the broccoli too long: Nobody wants mushy broccoli that looks like an old sponge. Just say no to the mush!
- Not tasting your food: It’s a crime against flavor! Taste as you go and adjust as necessary.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, let’s be real, sometimes you may not have everything on hand. Here are some simple swaps you can make:
- Chicken: If you’re feeling funky, go for shrimp or tofu instead. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works great if you’re watching your salt.
- Broccoli: If broccoli isn’t your jam, swap it for bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy. Get creative!
- Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour for thickening, but you’ll need more of it. Yes, size matters here.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Sure! Just know that fresh is usually snappier, but frozen will work. Just let it thaw a bit first, okay?
Is there a gluten-free version of this?
You bet! Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and boom! You are gluten-free and fabulous.
Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be prepared for the temptation to eat it all in one sitting—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
How spicy is this dish?
This one is pretty mild, but if you want to kick it up a notch, toss in some chili flakes while cooking. Go wild, but don’t cry to me later.
Does this dish reheat well?
Yes! Just be careful not to overcook it in the microwave. Nobody wants rubbery chicken as a leftover.
Can I add other veggies?
Duh! Feel free to jazz it up with whatever veggies you have lurking in your fridge. Get crazy with it.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
You bet! Kids love bright colors and tasty flavors. Feel free to tone down the garlic and ginger if your little ones are picky.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—an easy-peasy Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe that makes you look like a pro in the kitchen. Now go impress someone or just treat yourself because you totally deserve it. Cooking can be as fun as you want it to be, and this dish gives you a chance to show off your skills without getting too serious.
So grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking! Show us what you’ve got, and remember, no one will judge your culinary adventures—except your cat, maybe. You’ve earned this little culinary victory. Cheers!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and easy Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe that’s flavorful and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, shredded
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice chicken breast into thin strips for even cooking.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Mince garlic and shred ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and stir fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and stir for another 3-4 minutes until bright green.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl and pour over chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat and thickening for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or enjoy directly from the pan.
Notes
For a more filling meal, serve with rice. Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu, and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
