Pin
This Chinese chicken and broccoli stir fry is a speedy weeknight favorite that never disappoints when you want a healthier version of takeout at home. The juicy chicken and vibrant broccoli soak up a savory sauce that is full of umami and just the right touch of garlic. My own family asks for this dish on busy evenings since it always delivers big flavor with little effort.
I threw this recipe together for the first time after a long day when nobody could agree on dinner. Now it has become our go-to solution whenever we want something fast and truly tasty.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: juicy and tender choose fresh and well-trimmed pieces for best results
- Broccoli: crisp and vibrant opt for heads with tight dark green florets
- Mushrooms: add an earthy flavor white button mushrooms work well but cremini or shiitake can also be used
- Corn starch: gives the chicken a silky coating look for a fresh package to avoid lumps
- Soy sauce: brings depth and saltiness choose a naturally brewed version for richness
- Oyster sauce: delivers a signature savory note pick the best quality you can find for more aroma
- Rice wine: adds subtle fragrance if unavailable you can skip it without worry
- Pepper powder: lifts the dish with gentle heat use freshly ground for brightness
- Garlic: infuses the stir fry with classic aromatic charm choose plump cloves free from green shoots
- Oil: essential for browning and sizzle neutral-flavored oils like sunflower or canola are great here
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Mix the chicken chunks with half the soy sauce half the oyster sauce the rice wine and cornstarch Toss until thoroughly coated and let rest for at least five minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor
- Create the Sauce:
- In a small bowl mix the remaining soy sauce oyster sauce and the pepper powder Stir until smooth and set this aside for later
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat a half tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat Add marinated chicken spreading the pieces into a single layer Cook untouched until one side is golden And then turn and cook until both sides are browned and the centers are cooked through Remove chicken from the pan and set aside
- Blanch the Broccoli:
- While the chicken cooks boil water in a pan Drop in broccoli and blanch until just bright green and slightly tender Drain immediately and dry well so your stir fry stays crisp not soggy
- Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
- Return the pan to medium heat and pour in one tablespoon of oil Add chopped garlic and mushrooms Cook gently stirring regularly until the mushrooms are soft and the garlic smells fragrant
- Combine and Finish:
- Add the cooked chicken broccoli and reserved sauce back into the pan Stir everything together well Let it all cook to high heat so the stir fry sizzles and any excess liquid evaporates For the best finish drizzle on another spoonful of oil Let everything sit undisturbed for a final minute to get a caramelized edge Serve right away
Pin
Storage tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil for best texture The dish does not freeze well since broccoli can become mushy
Ingredient substitutions
You can use chicken breast but slice it thin and across the grain for tenderness For a vegetarian twist replace chicken with tofu or tempeh If oyster sauce is unavailable a mix of hoisin and soy sauce can work in a pinch
Serving suggestions
Serve this stir fry over steamed rice or toss with noodles for a heartier meal A sprinkle of toasted cashews or a pinch of chili flakes on top adds even more flavor and crunch
Cultural and historical context
Chicken and broccoli stir fry is a classic in Chinese American cuisine designed to showcase crisp vegetables with tender meat in a glossy sauce This style of cooking is all about balancing textures and flavors quickly in a hot pan bringing out the natural goodness of fresh ingredients
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well—just slice it against the grain into coin-thick pieces for tender bites.
- → How do I keep the stir fry from getting watery?
Make sure to drain the broccoli thoroughly after boiling, and cook off any extra moisture before finishing the dish.
- → What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with a little more soy sauce or use a vegetarian mushroom sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
- → How can I add more crunch or heat?
Sprinkle toasted peanuts or cashews for crunch, or add chili flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
- → Is a non-stick pan necessary?
Using a non-stick pan helps prevent the marinated chicken from sticking, especially with the cornstarch coating.
- → Can I skip mushrooms or substitute them?
Yes, use your favorite mushrooms or omit them if you prefer; the dish remains flavorful and satisfying without them.