How To Make Chinese Chicken And Broccoli In 20 Minutes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the sizzling aroma of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli filling your kitchen, promising a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. The tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and glossy savory sauce come together in perfect harmony — all ready in just 20 minutes.

I first tried my hand at this recipe after a long workday when takeout wasn’t an option. To my surprise, it became my go-to quick fix for a restaurant-quality meal at home, and now it’s a staple in my weekly rotation.

Let’s dive right into why you’ll fall in love with this 20-minute Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe.

Why You'll Love This Chinese Chicken And Broccoli

Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight lifesaver. This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli delivers bold flavor and convenience without sacrificing quality.

First, it's incredibly fast and easy to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and stirring, dinner is on the table in 20 minutes flat. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious and stress-free.

It’s also budget-friendly. You can create this dish using affordable pantry staples and fresh ingredients, often costing less than a single portion from your local Chinese restaurant.

The flavor is simply irresistible. The velvety sauce, with its balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes, coats the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli beautifully. It rivals any takeout version but with the comfort of homemade freshness.

Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins, vegetables, or spice levels to suit your family’s tastes, making it a flexible option you'll reach for again and again.

Now that you’re craving it, let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into a stunning meal. Each component works together to create that authentic Chinese restaurant flavor right at home.

Chicken breast is my protein of choice for this recipe. Sliced thinly, it cooks quickly and stays tender and juicy. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor, but the key is slicing the meat evenly for fast, even cooking.

Fresh broccoli florets bring vibrant color and a satisfying crunch. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even steaming. If you're short on time, pre-cut broccoli florets from the produce section work wonderfully too.

The star of the sauce is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. The soy sauce provides the salty umami base, oyster sauce adds depth and savoriness, and hoisin brings a touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavors.

Fresh garlic and ginger add essential aromatic notes that elevate the dish. Don’t skip these! Mince them finely so they blend seamlessly into the sauce and infuse the entire dish with their fragrance.

You’ll also need cornstarch to thicken the sauce into that silky texture you expect from your favorite takeout. A simple cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is the secret to getting that glossy finish.

For equipment, all you need is a sharp knife, a cutting board, a small bowl for the sauce, and a large skillet or wok to bring it all together.

How To Make This Chinese Chicken And Broccoli

Creating this flavorful dish is much easier than you might think. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Slice the chicken breast thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness. Chop your broccoli into small florets, mince the garlic and ginger, and mix together the sauce ingredients — soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, water, and cornstarch — in a small bowl until smooth.

Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to develop a slight sear before stirring and cooking for another 2 minutes until mostly cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to let them burn.

Add the broccoli florets and about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the skillet and steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, let it steam for an extra minute or two.

Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in the sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken. Within a minute or two, you’ll see the sauce turn glossy and coat the chicken and broccoli beautifully.

From start to finish, the process takes just 20 minutes. You’ll end up with a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli are just as delicious the next day, making it great for meal prep.

For short-term storage, transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days while maintaining their flavor and texture.

If you’d like to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. The dish will freeze well for up to 2 months. Just note that the broccoli may soften slightly when reheated.

When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or pantry contents.

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a few dashes of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The extra heat pairs beautifully with the savory flavors.

If you prefer a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-salt oyster sauce. This allows you to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

Swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings its own texture and flavor to the dish.

Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn. These not only add color but also bring delightful variety in each bite.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, you’ll find endless ways to personalize this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe to fit your taste.

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