Better-Than-Takeout Chinese Chicken and Broccoli – Quick & Healthy!
Introduction
Why settle for takeout when you can whip up a Chinese Chicken and Broccoli dish at home that’s every bit as irresistible—minus the extra oil and sodium? This recipe delivers tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for a casual dinner party.
Why This Chicken and Broccoli Is a Must-Try
What makes this dish stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures—the juicy, marinated chicken breast, the vibrant and perfectly cooked broccoli, and a glossy garlic-ginger soy sauce that clings to every bite. Unlike takeout, you control the ingredients, making it lower in sodium and free from unnecessary additives. Plus, cooking it at home means you can customize the spice level and add-ins to fit your preferences.
The Secret to Luscious, Tender Chicken
Marinating the chicken in a touch of cornstarch, soy sauce, and rice vinegar gives it an irresistibly soft texture (thanks to a Chinese cooking technique called “velveting”). Sautéing in a preheated SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures even browning and that melt-in-your-mouth quality you crave from professional stir-fries.
Prep Fast and Chop Like a Pro
For ultra-quick dinner prep, you’ll want your veggies and protein chopped and ready before you kick on the heat. A tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes short work of dicing broccoli florets and slicing aromatics. With everything prepped, your stir-fry will come together in minutes.
Crisp, Bright Broccoli Every Time
To guarantee broccoli with a vibrant green color and crisp-tender bite, briefly steam it before adding to the pan. Drain and set aside so it’s ready to toss into the hot skillet with the flavorful sauce and chicken at the finish.
Make It Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe is perfect for doubling and storing. Portion single servings in the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to have healthy, crave-worthy lunches for the week. The sauce thickens beautifully upon reheating, ensuring every serving is just as satisfying as the first.
Ingredients
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (divided)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
– 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
– 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
– 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola)
– Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss chicken slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients using your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for speed and uniformity.
- Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath or rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Drain well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, chicken broth, and sesame oil to make the stir-fry sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until just cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
- Add ginger and garlic to the same pan; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken and broccoli to the pan. Pour in sauce and stir, letting the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Suggestions & Nutrition
Serve this Better-Than-Takeout Chinese Chicken and Broccoli piping hot with fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. For perfectly portioned lunches, pack leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for freshness all week.
Each serving (with sauce and broccoli, without rice) is around 280 calories; pairs great with tea or sparkling water in a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 30 oz, Rose Quartz for a restaurant-style experience at home.
Better-Than-Takeout Chinese Chicken and Broccoli (Recap)
This recipe hits all the right notes: fast to make, loaded with flavor, and healthier than standard takeout. Keep your ingredients organized with a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for a seamless prep process. Say goodbye to soggy takeout containers and hello to a clean, satisfying stir-fry that’s sure to become a weeknight staple!