Name: Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus 1 for marinade); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (plus 1 for marinade); 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 cup water or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon sesame oil (divided); 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or avocado)

I’ve always had a soft spot for classic Chinese takeout, and nothing quite satisfies that craving like a steamy bowl of Chicken & Broccoli in garlic sauce. This dish hits the perfect balance between savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy, the broccoli is crisp-tender, and the glossy sauce ties everything together like a warm hug in a bowl.

What I love most is how surprisingly simple it is to recreate this dish at home—and it tastes even better than most takeout versions! With fresh ingredients and a quick stir-fry technique, you can have dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s packed with protein and greens, so you get something satisfying and nourishing without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli

Fast and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
One pan wonder: Less cleanup and no complicated steps.
Better than takeout: Full flavor without the greasy aftertaste.
Family-friendly: Mild, rich, and super comforting.
Meal prep hero: Great for leftovers or lunchboxes.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli, I always recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful, even when stir-fried at high heat. However, chicken breast is a leaner option and works just as well if you’re looking to cut down on fat. The key is to slice the chicken into thin, even pieces so it cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade well.

A quick tip: Toss the chicken with a bit of cornstarch before cooking to get that signature silky texture you find in restaurant dishes.

Options for Substitutions

Not only is this dish quick, it’s also incredibly flexible! Here are some smart swaps if you need to work with what’s in your fridge or pantry:

Vegetables: Swap broccoli with snap peas, green beans, or bok choy.
Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with water.
Spice Level: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like it hot.
Oil: While sesame oil adds depth, neutral oils like canola or avocado oil work well too.

Ingredients for Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli

Every ingredient in this dish plays a specific role in bringing that classic Chinese restaurant flavor to your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The star protein—tender, juicy, and perfect for stir-frying.
Broccoli Florets: Adds crunch, color, and balances the richness of the sauce with freshness.
Garlic: Brings out deep savory notes; a must for the base of the stir-fry sauce.
Ginger: Adds a fragrant warmth and zing that cuts through the richness.
Soy Sauce: Essential for saltiness and umami—this is what gives the sauce its iconic depth.
Oyster Sauce: Sweet, earthy, and savory—it gives that glossy, restaurant-quality flavor.
Cornstarch: Used in two ways—for marinating the chicken (velveting) and for thickening the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash finishes the dish with nutty aroma and authentic flair.
Sugar: A pinch to balance the saltiness and boost caramelization in the sauce.
Water or Chicken Broth: Helps create the saucy consistency without diluting flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss it with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and a dash of sesame oil. Let it marinate while you prep the other ingredients—about 10–15 minutes is perfect for that velvety texture.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch the broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes. Then, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This keeps them vibrant green and crisp-tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of cornstarch, and ¼ cup of water or chicken broth. Set aside—this flavorful sauce is going to coat everything beautifully.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden and just cooked through—about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan, add the blanched broccoli, and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Drizzle with a little sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

How Long to Cook the Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli

This recipe is truly weeknight-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

Marinate Chicken: 10–15 minutes
Blanch Broccoli: 2 minutes
Stir-Frying: 6–8 minutes total
Sauce Finishing: 1–2 minutes

Total cook time: around 20–25 minutes, start to finish. The actual stir-frying happens quickly, so make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within reach before you turn on the heat.

Tips for Perfect Chicken & Broccoli

Prep everything before you cook: Stir-frying moves fast—have all your ingredients chopped, mixed, and ready.
Slice chicken evenly: Thin, uniform pieces cook quickly and absorb flavor better.
Use high heat: Wok-style cooking requires a hot pan to sear the meat and veggies without steaming them.
Blanch the broccoli: This helps preserve its color and keeps it from overcooking in the wok.
Don’t crowd the pan: If using a smaller pan, cook the chicken in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Add more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar depending on your preference.
Finish with sesame oil: It adds a rich aroma—just a few drops go a long way.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few missteps can affect the final dish. Here’s what to avoid:

Skipping the marinade: It’s not just for flavor—it gives the chicken that silky, tender texture you expect from restaurant stir-fry.
Overcooking the broccoli: Blanching is quick. If you go too long, it’ll turn mushy once stir-fried.
Using low heat: Stir-fry is all about high heat. If the pan isn’t hot enough, you’ll end up steaming instead of searing.
Too much sauce: You want the sauce to coat, not drown, the ingredients. Stick to the quantities or thicken it slightly with more cornstarch if it’s too runny.
Adding garlic too early: It burns quickly. Always sauté it briefly just before adding back the chicken and sauce.
Crowding the pan: This drops the heat and leads to soggy chicken—cook in batches if needed.
Not tasting and adjusting: Everyone’s soy sauce and preferences differ—taste before serving.
Neglecting texture contrast: Keep broccoli crisp and chicken juicy for that perfect bite.

What to Serve With Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli?

This dish shines on its own, but pairing it right takes your meal to the next level. Try these delicious ideas:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy and fragrant—ideal for soaking up all that savory sauce.

2. Fried Rice

Add egg, scallions, and leftover veggies for a flavor-packed side.

3. Lo Mein or Egg Noodles

Tossed in a little sesame oil, they complement the saucy stir-fry perfectly.

4. Spring Rolls

Crispy, veggie-filled rolls offer a delightful textural contrast.

5. Hot & Sour Soup

A tangy starter that pairs beautifully with the mild garlic-soy flavors.

6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Another green that adds freshness and a slight crunch.

7. Sesame Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing—perfect to balance the warm, savory main.

8. Scallion Pancakes

Chewy and crispy, they’re fun to dip into any extra sauce.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli is how well it holds up for leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezer: This dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Reheating Tips: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

Estimated Nutrition

Please note that these numbers are approximate and can vary depending on exact ingredients and quantities used:

Calories: ~320 per serving
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~800mg

This dish is relatively high in protein and low in added sugars. For a lower sodium version, use reduced-sodium soy sauce or dilute with water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry first. Skip the blanching step and go straight to stir-frying.

2. How do I keep the chicken tender?

Marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch. This “velveting” technique keeps it juicy and gives it that classic Chinese texture.

3. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?

Use oils with high smoke points like canola, avocado, or peanut oil. A splash of sesame oil is added at the end for flavor.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use mushroom-based or vegetarian oyster sauce.

5. Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?

Adjust the cornstarch-to-liquid ratio. If it’s too thin, add a slurry (cornstarch + water). If too thick, loosen it with broth or water.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches so it sears instead of steaming.

7. How spicy is this dish?

It’s naturally mild, but you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce for heat.

8. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. Marinate the chicken and prep the broccoli and sauce in advance. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge until ready to cook.

Conclusion

This Authentic Chinese Chicken & Broccoli recipe brings all the comfort and flavor of your favorite takeout right into your home kitchen—fast, fresh, and foolproof. It’s one of those dishes I return to again and again when I want something cozy, satisfying, and a little nostalgic. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes, this dish checks all the boxes.