How To Make Chinese Chicken And Broccoli In 20 Minutes Recipe

There's nothing quite like the savory-sweet aroma of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli sizzling in a hot pan to make your kitchen feel like your favorite takeout spot. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce, this dish brings comfort and bold flavor in every bite.

this Recipe

I first tried recreating this takeout classic when a busy weeknight left me craving something fast, but satisfying. After a little trial and error, I found a version that’s not only quicker than delivery—it’s healthier and just as delicious.

This 20-minute wonder is perfect for weeknights, beginner cooks, and anyone looking for a meal that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, flavorful, and family-approved.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try!

Why You'll Love This Chinese Chicken And Broccoli

If you’re looking for a fast and flavorful dinner, this recipe is your new go-to. It takes the best parts of takeout and simplifies them for your home kitchen.

First off, it’s ready in just 20 minutes. From prep to plate, this dish is lightning fast, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when time is short and hunger is high.

It’s also incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a wok or any fancy tools. A large skillet and a few pantry staples are all it takes to bring it together.

Healthy and budget-friendly, this recipe uses lean chicken breast and fresh broccoli, delivering a satisfying meal with fewer calories and less sodium than your average takeout.

Best of all, it’s kid-friendly and customizable. You can swap in other veggies or use a different protein, depending on what you have in the fridge.

You’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others. Let’s break down the essentials.

Chicken breast is the star of the show here. Slice it thinly against the grain for the most tender texture. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.

Fresh broccoli florets bring vibrant color and crunch. Blanching them briefly before stir-frying keeps them bright green and tender-crisp, the perfect contrast to the savory sauce.

The sauce is where the magic happens. A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar creates that signature sweet-savory balance. Cornstarch helps thicken it into that glossy, clinging finish we all love.

Garlic and ginger are essential aromatics. Fresh is best for bold flavor, but pre-minced will work in a pinch if you're short on time.

You won’t need any special tools—just a large nonstick skillet or wok, a cutting board, and a few bowls for mixing. Simple, straightforward, and stress-free.

How To Make This Chinese Chicken And Broccoli

Creating this restaurant-style dish at home is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it happen.

Start by preparing your chicken. Slice it thinly, then toss it in a quick marinade of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of oil. This not only flavors the chicken but also keeps it tender and juicy during cooking.

While the chicken marinates, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch your broccoli for 1-2 minutes. Drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and preserve that bright green color.

In a small bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This will be your flavor-packed stir-fry sauce.

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the chicken in a single layer, letting it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before stirring. Once it’s cooked through, remove it from the pan.

Add the broccoli to the same pan and stir-fry for a minute to reheat. Then return the chicken and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens and coats each piece beautifully.

From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. Serve it hot over rice, and you’ve got a complete, comforting meal faster than your delivery driver can knock.

Storage Options

This dish is great for meal prep and leftovers. Let any extras cool completely before storing them.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up well and the broccoli stays tender, making it a great next-day lunch.

For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just know the texture of the broccoli may soften a bit upon reheating.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust it to suit your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Just adjust cook times accordingly.

Try mixing in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more variety and color. This is a great way to use up odds and ends in your veggie drawer.

If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free, too.

Don’t have oyster sauce? A mix of hoisin and soy sauce can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit sweeter and less complex.

Feel free to dial up the heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like things spicy.

Experiment with different combinations to make this dish your own. Once you’ve got the basics down, the variations are endless!

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