– **Title**: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
– 1 tsp ginger, minced
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice, for serving
– Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this dish due to its tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, thinly sliced thighs work well too, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrients. You can substitute with other veggies like bell peppers or snow peas if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure they stay crisp.
Oyster Sauce: This adds rich flavor to the dish. If you’re avoiding it, hoisin sauce is a good substitute. For a vegan option, look for mushroom-based sauces.
Cornstarch: It’s used to thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour in a pinch, but it may not thicken as effectively. Just mix it well to avoid lumps!
Sesame Oil: It gives a great nutty aroma. If you want a lighter flavor, you can skip it, or use a touch of olive oil instead, though it won’t have the same taste.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender chicken in this recipe is marinating. The cornstarch helps lock in moisture while it cooks. Follow these steps for best results:
- Thoroughly mix the marinade and ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes—longer is better, even an hour if you have time.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan. This lets it sear and not steam.
Finally, always check that the chicken is no longer pink inside to ensure it’s fully cooked. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes to have this tasty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Once combined, add the sliced chicken and toss it well to coat in the marinade. Set it aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes—this will add great flavor!
2. Stir-Frying the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just slightly tender. When they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. This keeps them crunchy and colorful!
3. Cooking the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat it up. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until you can smell the wonderful aroma. Next, add the marinated chicken to the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
4. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and add any remaining marinade you have left. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken up a bit. If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it in now, and give everything a good stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serving:
Serve your Chinese Chicken and Broccoli hot over a bed of warm cooked rice. For that extra special touch, garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw chicken is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. Always pat it dry to avoid extra moisture when you cook it!
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a little bit of sugar or even hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, mushroom sauce is a great vegetarian option that provides a similar umami taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before sealing it. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up in a skillet, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The entire dish can also be fully cooked and stored. Just reheat it gently before serving, and remember to refresh the flavors with a bit more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed!
