If you’re craving comfort food that’s bold, saucy, and packed with fresh flavor, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight hero. It features juicy strips of chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a true lifesaver for busy nights. Whether you’re a stir fry enthusiast or just looking for a reliable homemade takeout recipe, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is how a handful of everyday ingredients can create such a restaurant-worthy meal. Each element adds something special—whether it’s a punch of flavor, a velvety texture, or that signature glossy finish we all love in stir fries.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and tender bites; you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for stir frying; its high smoke point keeps everything crisp without burning.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic base.
- Fresh ginger: Just a teaspoon brings a gentle heat and unmistakable zing that brightens every bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the backbone of the sauce, giving depth and umami without making things too salty.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet savoriness that’s classic in Chinese stir fries.
- Hoisin sauce: Just a tablespoon brings a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce until it’s glossy and perfectly coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the salty and savory notes.
- Chicken broth or water: Keeps the sauce silky and helps everything simmer together.
- Sesame oil (optional): A finishing drizzle for nutty aroma and extra depth.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional): Garnishes that add crunch, freshness, and a pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chicken broth. This is where the magic begins—the cornstarch will help thicken everything later, while the blend of sauces creates that irresistible, savory-sweet flavor profile that makes Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry so addictive. Set this mixture aside so it’s ready when you need it.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This quick sear locks in the juices and develops a bit of caramelization on the edges—just what we want! Once the chicken is ready, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell incredible—this is the foundation of the dish’s flavor and will infuse everything that comes next.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Now, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just tender and still a beautiful, bright green. If you prefer your broccoli extra crisp, you can even blanch it quickly before adding it to the pan, but it’s totally optional. The key here is to keep the broccoli vibrant and full of life so every bite has a nice snap.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in your whisked sauce. Toss everything together so the sauce coats each piece of chicken and broccoli. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it over the top now for an extra layer of flavor. The end result should be saucy, aromatic, and absolutely mouthwatering.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
For that final restaurant-style flourish, sprinkle your finished stir fry with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These add a subtle crunch and a burst of color that make the whole dish pop. If you have a bottle of toasted sesame oil, a light drizzle just before serving adds a nutty aroma that truly elevates the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry experience.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is delicious served over a steaming bowl of fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that lovely sauce. For a healthier twist, try brown rice or even cauliflower rice. If you’re a noodle fan, serve it over lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier meal. A side of homemade egg rolls or a crisp Asian cucumber salad rounds out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful with your presentation! Pile the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held meal, or serve it in a big, colorful bowl with extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a rainbow effect. If you’re entertaining, arrange the stir fry on a platter and garnish generously—it’s guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious—if not better! Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before storing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your stir fry, let it cool completely first, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will keep well for up to two months. The broccoli may soften a little after thawing, but the dish will still be full of flavor and easy to reheat for a quick, satisfying meal.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. This helps preserve the texture of the chicken and broccoli. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, for a super quick lunch or dinner.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. They’re juicier and bring a slightly richer flavor, so feel free to use whichever cut you prefer or have on hand.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari and double-check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free as well. All other ingredients should be safe, but always check your labels.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms are all delicious additions. Just slice them thinly so they cook quickly and blend well with the chicken and broccoli.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap out the oyster sauce for a vegetarian version or add more hoisin for depth.
Do I really need oyster sauce and hoisin sauce?
Both sauces add unique flavor, but if you don’t have them, you can still make a tasty Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry. Use extra soy sauce, a little brown sugar, and a dash of rice vinegar for a simpler version that still hits the spot.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe inspires you to bring the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry to your own table! It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for a weekend, yet easy enough for a busy weeknight. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request from friends and family. Happy cooking!
Print
Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts and crisp broccoli florets are cooked to perfection in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, hoisin sauces, and aromatics like garlic and ginger. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and nutritious dish that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Green onions (optional, chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth. Set this mixture aside to be used later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant and flavorful.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are just tender but still vibrant green.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with the optional sesame oil for added flavor, then garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For crisp-tender broccoli, blanch the florets briefly in boiling water before stir-frying.
- You can substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add bell peppers or other vegetables for extra color and flavor.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer more sauce or are serving over rice.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
