Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
A classic dish that captures the essence of comforting Asian cuisine, perfect for busy weeknights with its quick preparation and flavor-packed ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 20 ounces skinless boneless chicken breast (cut into ¼ inch slices) Sliced thinly for quick cooking.
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine Can substitute with any dry sherry.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
For the Sauce
- ⅔ cup soy sauce (light sodium) Low-sodium option available.
- ⅔ cup water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar Adjust to taste.
- 2½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
For the Vegetables
- 1 pound broccoli (cut into florets)
- 1½ tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 1½ tablespoons ginger (minced)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with water, Shaoxing cooking wine, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sugar, cornstarch, and toasted sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, spreading it evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and keep it warm.
- In the same pan, add broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Tips for success include slicing chicken thinly for faster cooking, not overcooking broccoli to retain nutrients, and adjusting the sauce to taste. Prepare ingredients ahead of time for quicker cooking.