Homemade Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a popular dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a takeout favorite in the comfort of your home. Plus, it’s healthier than many restaurant versions. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Making this dish is also a fun way to practice your cooking skills.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 20 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast (cut into ¼ inch slices (about 2 chicken breast))
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (if using fine salt, use a little less)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- ⅔ cup soy sauce (light sodium)
- ⅔ cup water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound broccoli (cut into florets (about 1 crown))
- 1½ tablespoons garlic (minced (about 4 cloves))
- 1½ tablespoons ginger (minced (about an 1½ inch knob))
Directions:
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken slices with 3 tablespoons of water, Shaoxing cooking wine, Kosher salt, baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, combine ⅔ cup soy sauce, ⅔ cup water, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2½ tablespoons cornstarch, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well until everything is combined.
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Make the chicken and broccoli: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it is cooked through. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook until they are bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Serve the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli hot over a bed of rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and color. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be a great addition to meal prep.
How to Store Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
To store leftovers, place the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Tips to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Make sure to cut the chicken and broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Experiment with the sauce by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.
- If you want a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Variation
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. For a more colorful dish, add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
2. What can I use instead of Shaoxing cooking wine?
You can use dry sherry or even omit it if you prefer.
3. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Mix a little cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to the sauce while cooking. It will help thicken the sauce quickly.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into ¼ inch slices
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- ⅔ cup soy sauce (light sodium)
- ⅔ cup water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
- 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons ginger, minced
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the chicken slices with 3 tablespoons of water, Shaoxing cooking wine, Kosher salt, baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine ⅔ cup soy sauce, ⅔ cup water, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2½ tablespoons cornstarch, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well until everything is combined.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir until it thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
Notes
For added flavor, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese