Description
Succulent chicken with broccoli emerges as a classic comfort dish that blends tender protein with crisp green vegetables. Hearty flavors mingle perfectly, creating a quick, nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and delights your palate with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 0.5 lbs chicken thighs
Vegetables:
- 2 heads broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 piece ginger
Seasoning and Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Trim chicken breast and thighs into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
- Peel and finely mince garlic and ginger to release their aromatic flavors and enhance the dish’s depth.
- Cut broccoli into small, evenly sized florets, discarding the tough stems for optimal texture and tenderness.
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a separate bowl to create a harmonious marinade.
- Marinate chicken pieces in half of the prepared sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb rich, complex flavors.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just before smoking point.
- Quickly stir-fry minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, releasing their intense aromatics without burning.
- Add chicken pieces to the hot pan, spreading them in a single layer to ensure proper browning and caramelization.
- Sauté chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Introduce broccoli florets to the pan, tossing quickly to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Pour remaining sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring continuously to coat evenly and create a glossy finish.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring chicken is completely cooked and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnishing with optional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Perfectly trim chicken into consistent, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
- Mince garlic and ginger ultra-fine to maximize their aromatic potential and prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
- Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with vibrant green color for maximum nutritional value and appealing texture.
- Marinate chicken longer (up to 30 minutes) for deeper flavor penetration if time allows.
- Use high smoke-point oil like avocado or peanut oil for crispier, more caramelized results.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and using cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot powder.
- Enhance protein intake by adding extra chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Quickly blanch broccoli beforehand to maintain bright green color and reduce overall cooking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg