Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory soy-based sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, creating a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy takeout-style flavors right at home!

​What is Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is a popular dish that, while inspired by Chinese culinary traditions, is largely an adaptation made popular in Western Chinese-American cuisine.

In China, broccoli as we know it (Western broccoli) is not native and has only been introduced relatively recently. Traditional Chinese dishes often feature similar preparations using Chinese leafy greens such as gai lan (Chinese broccoli).

The dish’s blend of tender meat and vibrant vegetables reflects the Chinese culinary emphasis on balance and harmony, while the thick, savory sauce is a hallmark of the fusion cuisine designed to appeal to Western tastes.

What ingredients go into this recipe?

Here’s how each ingredient plays a role in a Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe:

Vegan Chicken: A plant-based alternative to traditional chicken, it mimics the texture and flavor of meat while keeping the dish completely vegan. Use your favorite brand of vegan chicken strips or chunks, and cook them as you would regular chicken. It pairs perfectly with the savory sauce and broccoli, making the dish just as satisfying and delicious.

Cornstarch: Used to create a slurry with water or broth, it thickens the sauce to achieve a glossy and velvety texture. It’s also often used to coat the chicken in a process called “velveting,” which helps maintain the meat’s tenderness.

Vegetable Broth serves as the liquid base for the sauce, adding depth of flavor. Its savory undertones enhance the dish and balance other strong flavors like soy sauce and ginger.

Broccoli: The main vegetable component, its crispness provides texture contrast to the tender chicken. Quick cooking retains its vibrant color and nutritional value.

Garlic: Adds an aromatic, savory flavor that enhances the overall profile of the dish. It’s sautéed briefly to release its fragrance without becoming bitter.

Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying, this neutral oil helps evenly cook the ingredients at high heat without overpowering the dish with additional flavors.

Soy Sauce: The backbone of the sauce, it provides saltiness and umami. Both regular and low-sodium versions can be used depending on taste preferences.

Sugar: Balances the savory elements and soy sauce’s saltiness, creating a rounded, flavorful sauce. A little goes a long way in enhancing the dish’s taste.

Ginger, peeled and chopped: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note and a fresh aroma. Ginger is a classic ingredient in Chinese cuisine, complementing the garlic and creating a vibrant flavor base.

How to make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. When hot, add the broccoli florets, season with salt and pepper and sautéed them for about five minutes until they start getting softer.

Then, give the chicken bits to the pan and season all with the pressed garlic and grated ginger. Let everything cook for another five minutes.

In the meantime, combine the vegetable broth, cornstarch, sugar, and soy sauce in a small mixing bowl and whisk all together.

Next, give the sauce into the pan with chicken and broccoli. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. 

Let the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli cook like this for another 5 minutes. The sauce should have thickened by now and the dish is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

 

• Serve the dish over white jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
• Pair the dish with lo mein, rice noodles, or even soba noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal. Toss the noodles in the sauce for added flavor.
• Complement with additional sides like spring rolls, dumplings, or a light soup such as hot and sour soup or miso soup for a fuller meal.
• Top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor and a visually appealing finish.
• Make it a Stir-Fry Bowl: Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a colorful, veggie-packed bowl.

​Popular variations of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

There are several popular variations of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli, allowing for customization based on dietary preferences and taste:

1. Beef and Broccoli: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or sirloin, for a classic alternative. The preparation and sauce remain largely the same.
2. Use shrimp as the protein for a lighter, seafood-based variation. Shrimp cook quickly, making this a fast and flavorful option.
3. Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and use a plant-based broth. Ensure the soy sauce or other sauces used are vegan-friendly.
4. Spicy Version: Add chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chili peppers for a kick of heat. Adjust spice levels to your preference.
5. Honey or Orange Glaze: Mix in a touch of honey or orange juice to create a sweet-savory sauce. This adds a subtle sweetness and a citrusy dimension to the dish.
6. Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: Use zoodles (zucchini noodles) or serve the dish on its own without rice or noodles. Substitute sugar with a low-carb sweetener.
7. Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutrient-packed meal.
8. Cashew Chicken and Broccoli: Add roasted cashews for a nutty crunch, complementing the tender chicken and broccoli.

Each variation keeps the core appeal of the dish intact while introducing unique flavors or textures.

Other recipes to try

• Easy Chicken and Steak Stir Fry Recipe
• Chicken Stir Fry
• Asparagus Stir Fry
• Stir Fry Sauce
• Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

I hope you love this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli as much as I do—it’s such a satisfying and easy dish to whip up!

If you give it a try, snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook; I’d love to see your creations!

Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your star rating—I can’t wait to hear what you think!