Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli Recipe

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Whenever I crave something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, I always find myself turning to this Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially on weeknights when I want to whip up something delicious without too much fuss. What makes this dish stand out is the tender chicken pieces glazed in a glossy, savory sauce and paired with crisp-tender broccoli that soaks up every drop.

I remember the first time I made this. It was one of those evenings when takeout wasn’t an option, and I had a bunch of broccoli in the fridge that needed to be used up. With a few pantry staples like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and cornstarch, I created something that tasted just like my favorite Chinese restaurant version—maybe even better! That first bite was everything: savory, slightly sweet, rich, and so satisfying.

The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the speed at which it comes together. Plus, it’s healthier than most takeout options, and you can tweak it to your taste. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving a good stir-fry, this dish delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli

This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s savory, perfectly saucy, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy days. The sauce has the ideal balance of umami from the soy sauce, a touch of sweetness, and that unmistakable depth from garlic and ginger. It’s also a great way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing flavor.

This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or even noodles for something heartier. And if you’re trying to eat clean, it works beautifully served over cauliflower rice. For more inspiration on flavorful, family-friendly dinners, check out my other favorites like Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta.

How to Make the Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix in a bit of cornstarch to coat the chicken evenly. Chop the broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling water for just 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, a dash of sugar, and a little chicken broth or water. Add cornstarch to the mixture to help it thicken while cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a bit of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed and pour in the sauce mixture. Let it come to a simmer and thicken. Add the chicken and broccoli back into the pan and stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible. You can easily swap out the chicken for beef or tofu if you’re vegetarian. Thinly sliced flank steak stir-fried quickly is a great alternative. For tofu, press it well and pan-fry until crispy before adding it to the sauce.

If broccoli isn’t your thing, try it with snap peas, bell peppers, or even zucchini. You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, and low-sodium versions of soy and oyster sauce help keep it lighter.

For a spicier kick, toss in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a few crushed red pepper flakes when stirring the sauce. This dish can also be made with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time—just add it at the end to warm through.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this dish hot over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all that savory sauce. If you’re looking to go low-carb, cauliflower rice or stir-fried greens are a great choice. Add a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving for an extra flavor boost.

For a complete meal, pair your chicken and broccoli with some homemade spring rolls or a simple egg drop soup. A side of Asian-style cucumber salad or pickled vegetables offers a refreshing contrast and rounds out the plate beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce might thicken a bit more once cooled, but that’s easily remedied with a splash of water during reheating.

To reheat, microwave the chicken and broccoli in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the texture of the broccoli can change, becoming mushy upon thawing. But if you do want to freeze it, do so before adding the broccoli and add fresh broccoli when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to the dish to avoid excess water thinning the sauce.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts stay lean and firm.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based meat substitute. Make sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or just go with more soy sauce for the umami factor.

Is there a way to make it less salty?

Absolutely. Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce. You can also dilute the sauce with water or chicken broth to mellow it out.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! If you love saucy dishes, go ahead and double the sauce ingredients. Just make sure to let it simmer enough to thicken before serving.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you enjoyed this Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli, you’ll definitely want to try more savory, sauce-filled dishes. My Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is rich and indulgent with a silky sauce that pairs beautifully with veggies. For something with a pasta twist, check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta—it’s loaded with flavor and comes together quickly.

You might also enjoy Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, another weeknight favorite that combines savory sausage, creamy sauce, and wilted spinach for a comforting bowl of goodness.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Loved this recipe? Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it again later. Sharing it with friends or family is easy—just copy the link and text it to someone who appreciates a quick and delicious dinner. Don’t forget to tag me if you make it; I love seeing your kitchen creations!

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