Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. This recipe features tender chicken breast stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a savory garlic sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and customizable, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy this classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken and Broccoli dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, this meal strikes the right balance for a wholesome dinner.
- Flavorful Sauce: The savory garlic sauce elevates the dish, offering that authentic Chinese takeout taste at home.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) recipe effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help you achieve the best results while saving time during preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Pot for blanching broccoli
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying, allowing even cooking and great flavor development.
- Pot for blanching broccoli: Ensures your broccoli stays bright and crisp while cooking quickly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing your ingredients accurately.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes preparation faster and safer when cutting chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
For Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, season the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
1. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Set aside for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
In a pot of boiling water:
1. Add the broccoli florets.
2. Blanch them for 1-2 minutes until they are bright green and crisp.
3. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken.
3. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In the same skillet:
1. Add minced garlic and ginger.
2. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine with Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet:
1. Add blanched broccoli to combine.
2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and chicken broth together.
3. Pour this sauce over chicken and broccoli; stir well to combine.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a quick boil:
1. Reduce heat to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Drizzle sesame oil over everything; mix well.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Chicken and Broccoli hot over cooked rice. Enjoy this delightful homemade takeout!
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
Serving Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) can elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish that will impress your family or guests.
Over Steamed Rice
- Pair the Chicken and Broccoli with fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite delicious.
With Noodles
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked lo mein or rice noodles. This adds a delightful texture and takes your meal to the next level.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, spoon the Chicken and Broccoli into crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a fresh way to enjoy the flavors while keeping it light.
As a Bowl Meal
- Create a bowl with chicken, broccoli, brown rice, and your choice of toppings like sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.
With Extra Sauce
- Drizzle additional sauce over your serving for an extra burst of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
As Meal Prep
- Portion out servings in meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week. It reheats well and stays flavorful.
How to Perfect Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
To make sure your Chicken and Broccoli is just right, follow these helpful tips:
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in soy sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances its flavor significantly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh broccoli and garlic for optimal taste. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in any dish.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook broccoli just until it’s bright green and still crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy and less appealing.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch mixed with water during cooking for that perfect glaze.
- Garnish Generously: Finish off with sesame seeds or chopped scallions as a garnish. It adds both flavor and visual appeal to your dish.
- Serve Immediately: For best results, serve the dish hot right after cooking. This keeps everything fresh and delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
Adding sides can enhance your dining experience with Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style). Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Egg Fried Rice: A classic companion that complements the flavors of chicken; simply stir-fry rice with eggs, peas, and carrots.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a tasty appetizer that pairs well with any Chinese dish.
- Vegetable Lo Mein: Soft noodles tossed with assorted vegetables provide a hearty side that balances out your meal perfectly.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A warm soup featuring tofu, mushrooms, and spices creates an inviting start to your dining experience.
- Steamed Dumplings: These bite-sized treats filled with meat or veggies add an extra layer of flavor when served alongside your main dish.
- Chili Garlic Green Beans: Stir-fried green beans in chili garlic sauce offer a spicy crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers dressed in sesame oil provides a cool contrast to the hot stir-fry.
- Fried Tofu: Crispy fried tofu cubes offer a protein-packed side that complements the flavors of chicken beautifully while adding variety to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style), it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Not Blanching the Broccoli: Skipping this step can lead to overcooked broccoli. Always blanch for 1-2 minutes for crispness.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long makes it dry. Stir-fry just until it’s cooked through and lightly browned.
- Ignoring Sauce Ratios: Using too much or too little sauce can ruin the balance of flavors. Follow the recipe measurements closely.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold chicken or broccoli can lower the pan’s temperature, affecting cooking. Use ingredients at room temperature when possible.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to bland dishes. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) healthier?
You can use less oil or substitute with low-sodium soy sauce. Adding more vegetables can also boost nutrition without compromising flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Simply add it directly into the stir-fry without blanching first; it will cook quickly.
What should I serve with Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls.
Is Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu according to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) is a delightful dish that brings comfort food right into your home. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or proteins while still delivering that classic takeout flavor. Give this easy recipe a try tonight!
Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken and Broccoli (Chinese Takeout Style) is a delightful stir-fry that captures the essence of your favorite Chinese restaurant dish. This quick and easy recipe features tender slices of chicken breast stir-fried with vibrant broccoli florets in a savory garlic sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, this dish is not only healthy but also highly customizable to suit your taste. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that brings comfort right to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, season thinly sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch; set aside for 10 minutes.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat; stir-fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds.
- Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet; mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and chicken broth together and pour over the mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened; finish with sesame oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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