Name: Irresistible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Delight - Chinese Chicken Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/2 cuplow-sodium chicken broth; 1/3 cupreduced-sodium soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 3 Tbsp of honey; 2 Tbsp of cornstarch; 1 Tbsp of finely grated peeled ginger; 2 tsp of toasted sesame oil; 1 Tbsp of neutral oil; 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2″ pieces; 2 medium heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets; Cooked brown or white rice and toasted sesame seeds, for serving

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Why This Chinese Chicken Broccoli Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Perfect Chinese Chicken Broccoli

How to Make Chinese Chicken Broccoli Step by Step

Serving and Storage Tips for Chinese Chicken Broccoli

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chinese Chicken Broccoli

Suggestions for Chinese Chicken Broccoli Variations

Conclusion

Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner that combines healthy ingredients with bold flavors? Our Chinese chicken broccoli recipe brings together tender chicken pieces and crisp broccoli florets in a savory-sweet sauce that will transform your dinner table into a restaurant-quality experience. This classic Chinese chicken broccoli dish has been perfected to deliver authentic taste while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this recipe offers the perfect balance of nutrition and taste that will have your family requesting it again and again.

Why This Chinese Chicken Broccoli Recipe Works

Chinese chicken broccoli has stood the test of time as a beloved stir-fry for good reason. The combination of protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed broccoli creates a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs. What makes this particular recipe stand out is the carefully crafted sauce that brings everything together—a perfect blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic that creates layers of umami, sweetness, and aromatic depth.

The cooking technique also contributes significantly to the success of this dish. By cooking the chicken first until golden and then allowing the broccoli to steam in the sauce, each component maintains its optimal texture while absorbing maximum flavor. The cornstarch in the sauce ensures it thickens to the perfect consistency, coating each piece of chicken and broccoli beautifully.

Unlike many restaurant versions that can be overly salty or greasy, this homemade Chinese chicken broccoli recipe uses reduced-sodium soy sauce and minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing authentic flavor.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time of just 5 minutes with minimal cooking time—perfect for busy weeknights
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store
Healthier than takeout with reduced sodium and controlled oil amounts while maintaining authentic flavor
Perfectly balanced sweet-savory sauce that coats every piece without being overwhelming
Versatile recipe that can be easily customized to accommodate different dietary preferences
One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal

This Chinese chicken broccoli recipe is designed to fit seamlessly into your life, offering incredible flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or wait for delivery.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Chinese Chicken Broccoli

Ingredients

For the sauce:

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. finely grated peeled ginger
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

1 Tbsp. neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2″ pieces
2 medium heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets

For serving:

Cooked brown or white rice
Toasted sesame seeds

Tools

Large skillet or wok
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking spatula or tongs
Rice cooker or pot for preparing rice

How to Make Chinese Chicken Broccoli Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, reduced-sodium soy sauce, finely chopped garlic, honey, cornstarch, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This creates a smooth sauce base that will thicken beautifully during cooking. Set aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and allow them to cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until they release easily from the pan. This initial searing creates a golden exterior that locks in moisture. Stir the chicken and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown on all sides and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Steam the broccoli

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the broccoli florets to the same skillet. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the broccoli and toss to coat evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. The broccoli should be bright green and slightly softened but still maintain some crunch.

Step 4: Combine and thicken

Uncover the skillet and return the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices back to the pan. Gently stir everything together, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats both the chicken and broccoli evenly. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate with the heat, creating a glossy, thickened consistency that clings beautifully to all components.

Step 5: Serve

Divide freshly cooked rice among serving plates or bowls. Spoon the Chinese chicken broccoli stir-fry over the rice and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Serving and Storage Tips for Chinese Chicken Broccoli

Serving Tips

Chinese chicken broccoli is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the sauce is at its perfect consistency and the broccoli maintains its vibrant color and slight crunch. Here are some recommendations for serving this delightful dish:

Serve over freshly cooked rice—jasmine rice works particularly well with the flavors of this dish
For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables
Complement your meal with a simple side of cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast
For an authentic Chinese restaurant experience, serve with hot tea
Additional garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or crushed red pepper flakes can add extra flavor dimensions

This Chinese chicken broccoli recipe makes excellent leftovers that can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day experience equally delicious. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Note that the broccoli will soften more upon reheating but will still be delicious.

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You Must Know

Using chicken thighs will result in more tender, flavorful meat compared to chicken breast
The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s best to serve immediately
Fresh ginger makes a significant difference in flavor—avoid substituting with powdered ginger if possible
This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months in airtight containers for easy meal prep

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chinese Chicken Broccoli

Even with a straightforward recipe like Chinese chicken broccoli, some common pitfalls can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overcooking the chicken: Chicken pieces should be just cooked through. Overcooking leads to dry, tough meat that detracts from the overall experience.
Cutting broccoli pieces too large: Inconsistently sized broccoli florets cook unevenly. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will cook through in the allotted time.
Not dissolving cornstarch completely: Undissolved cornstarch creates lumps in the sauce. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth before adding to the pan.
Overcooking broccoli: The bright green color and slight crunch of broccoli are essential to this dish. Steam just until crisp-tender to maintain texture and nutrients.
Skipping the resting time for chicken: Allowing the chicken to cook undisturbed initially helps develop better color and flavor. Resist the urge to stir constantly.
Using regular soy sauce instead of reduced-sodium: Regular soy sauce can make the dish excessively salty and overpower other flavors.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Slice chicken against the grain for the most tender results, especially when using chicken breast
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking
Blanch the broccoli for 30 seconds in boiling water then shock in ice water before stir-frying for perfect texture and vibrant color
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden for enhanced nutty flavor before using as garnish
Keep your wok or skillet very hot when first adding the chicken to achieve the best sear and caramelization

The key to exceptional Chinese chicken broccoli lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The sauce should be rich but not overpowering, the chicken tender and juicy, and the broccoli vibrant and crisp-tender. Taking care with each component ensures a restaurant-quality dish that showcases why this classic has remained popular for generations.

Suggestions for Chinese Chicken Broccoli Variations

One of the greatest attributes of Chinese chicken broccoli is its adaptability. Here are some creative variations to try:

Spicy Version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce mixture for a heat kick that complements the sweet-savory balance.
Vegetable Boost: Add sliced carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers alongside the broccoli for more color, texture, and nutrients.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or firm tofu for a different protein experience while keeping the same delicious sauce.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in 1/4 cup of cashews or sliced almonds just before serving for added texture and nutritional benefits.
Citrus Brightness: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce for a subtle citrus note that brightens the entire dish.
Mushroom Addition: Incorporate sliced shiitake or button mushrooms when cooking the chicken for an earthy umami boost.

These variations maintain the integrity of traditional Chinese chicken broccoli while allowing you to customize based on preferences, dietary needs, or simply what ingredients you have on hand.

FAQs:

Can I make Chinese chicken broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken and broccoli up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store these components separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The actual stir-frying should be done just before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you need to make the complete dish ahead, it can be reheated gently with a splash of water to revive the sauce, though the broccoli may be slightly softer than when freshly made.

What can I substitute for honey in this Chinese chicken broccoli recipe?

If you prefer not to use honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar can work as alternatives. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, but all will provide the necessary sweetness to balance the savory elements in the sauce. For a lower-sugar version, you could use 1-2 tablespoons of monk fruit sweetener or a similar sugar substitute, though you may need to adjust to taste.

Is Chinese chicken broccoli gluten-free?

This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the soy sauce, which contains wheat. However, it can easily be made gluten-free by substituting tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten ingredients. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy this Chinese chicken broccoli dish without concerns about gluten.

How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?

To maintain broccoli’s crisp texture, be careful not to oversteam it. The 2-3 minutes specified in the recipe should result in crisp-tender broccoli. If you prefer extra insurance against mushiness, you can blanch the broccoli for just 30 seconds in boiling water, then immediately transfer to ice water before adding it to the stir-fry. Also, make sure to cut the broccoli into relatively uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this Chinese chicken broccoli recipe?

While fresh broccoli provides the best texture and flavor for this dish, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch. Thaw the frozen broccoli first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Since frozen broccoli is pre-blanched, reduce the steaming time to about 1 minute to prevent overcooking. The texture won’t be quite as crisp as with fresh broccoli, but the dish will still be delicious.

What's the difference between Chinese broccoli and regular broccoli?

Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is different from the common broccoli used in this recipe. Chinese broccoli has long stems, dark green leaves, and small florets, with a slightly bitter taste. Regular broccoli has larger, rounder florets and a milder flavor. While this recipe calls for regular broccoli, you could substitute Chinese broccoli for a more authentic touch. If using Chinese broccoli, trim the thick stems and separate the leaves, adjusting cooking time as needed since it typically cooks faster.

Conclusion

This irresistible Chinese chicken broccoli recipe brings the beloved flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen, with the added benefits of freshness, healthier ingredients, and customization options. The balanced combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and savory-sweet sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.

What makes this Chinese chicken broccoli truly special is its accessibility—requiring minimal prep time and basic ingredients while delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking to expand your recipe repertoire, this versatile dish deserves a place in your regular rotation.

The next time you’re tempted to reach for the takeout menu, remember how simple and rewarding it is to create this classic at home. Your wallet—and taste buds—will thank you for mastering this Chinese chicken broccoli recipe that delivers authentic flavor with every bite.

For more delicious Asian-inspired recipes, check out this authentic Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe from Allrecipes or explore the Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli and Chicken With Hoisin Recipe from The New York Times Cooking section.

Looking for more easy and delicious recipes? Don’t miss our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe for a delightful dessert option or our 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for another quick weeknight dinner solution.