Introduction
Get ready for a burst of flavor with this irresistible Chinese Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’ll leave you craving more. Juicy chicken and crisp broccoli in a savory glaze – what’s not to love?
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thigh, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 4 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil, divided
- 1 crown of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (or overnight for better flavor)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (or overnight for marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Start by mixing the chicken with honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Let it soak up all the goodness for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible.
Directions
2. Heat up 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the marinated chicken and garlic, stir-frying for about 5 minutes until the chicken is mostly browned. Set it aside.
Directions
3. In the same skillet, pour in another tbsp of oil, the chicken broth, and add the broccoli. Cover and cook on medium heat for 1 minute. Then, uncover and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until your broccoli is vibrant and tender.
Directions
4. Return the chicken to the pan, and stir in the oyster sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything well for a delicious medley.
Directions
5. Remove from heat and serve your masterpiece! Highly recommended with a steaming bowl of white rice.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
Per serving, you get around 300 calories with healthy protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken thighs with honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir until the chicken is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors, or ideally, refrigerate it overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and roughly chopped garlic. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the chicken is mostly browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of cooking oil along with the chicken broth. Add the broccoli florets and cover the skillet. Cook on medium heat for 1 minute. After a minute, uncover and stir-fry the broccoli for an additional 2 minutes, until it becomes vibrant and tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir in oyster sauce and an additional teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even coating of the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the chicken and broccoli stir-fry hot, preferably over a steaming bowl of white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Marinade Time
For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken for an extended period, preferably overnight.
Cooking Oil
Use a high smoke point cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to prevent burning and ensure proper stir-frying.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more variety.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well not only with rice but also with quinoa or noodles for a variation in texture and flavor.
Cook techniques
Marination
Marinating the chicken with honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with a burst of flavor. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results, enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that maintains the nutrients and vibrant color of the ingredients. Cooking the chicken on high heat ensures it browns nicely while keeping it juicy. Adding the garlic during this stage releases its aromatic flavors.
Blanching and Stir-Frying Broccoli
Blanching broccoli briefly with a cover allows it to cook quickly while preserving its bright green color and crisp texture. Follow this with a quick stir-fry to ensure the florets are tender but still retain a bite.
Combining Flavors
Adding oyster sauce and a little sesame oil at the end brings all components together, creating a rich and savory glaze that clings to the chicken and broccoli, layering the flavors perfectly.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, but be aware that it may require shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a little sugar as a substitute for a similar sweet and savory profile.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken and broccoli stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavors and nutrients. Enjoy it fresh with rice for a delightful meal that will satisfy your cravings!
