Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Name: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ⅓ low-sodium soy sauce; ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 Tablespoon corn starch; 1 lb. boneless (skinless, chicken breast, thinly sliced); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper; ¾ cup onion (finely chopped); 2-3 garlic cloves (finely chopped, about 1 tbsp); 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger (packed); 12 oz broccoli florets or 3 cups; 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.

This stir-fried Chinese Chicken and Broccoli is seasoned with the perfect amount of ginger, garlic, broccoli florets, and a deep, rich soy sauce glaze.

It costs $6.94 to make this dish. The recipe makes four servings and costs $1.73 per serving.

If you need more ideas for what to make for dinner, I recommend my Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables and my Ginger Chicken Skewers.

An overhead picture of the finished Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in a white serving bowl.

This dish makes the perfect weeknight meal on those extra busy nights because it is so quick and easy. In 30 minutes you will be enjoying delicious Chinese Chicken and Broccoli. That is quicker than you can get it from your favorite takeout place!

Crisp broccoli and juicy chicken are combined with garlic and ginger in a yummy brown sauce to create the perfect meal. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice.

As a bonus, this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli recipe only has only 237 calories per serving!

So skip the restaurant and learn exactly how to make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in the comfort of your own home with my step-by-step directions.

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?

Chicken	To make the signature chicken and broccoli look, cut the chicken breast thinly at an angle, against the grain. Thin, flat, circular shapes are the final result.
Olive Oil	This dish is all about quality. Make sure to use excellent vegetable oil.
Onion	You may use finely diced red, yellow, or white onion.
Ginger	Will add a rich taste and aroma to the dish.
Garlic	Will also add a rich flavor and aroma.
Broccoli florets	Make sure to cut any larger florets into bite-size pieces.
For the sauce:	Low-sodium vegetable broth, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, pure maple syrup, and corn starch.

Approximate Cost of Ingredients

RECIPE COST: $6.94

PRICE PER SERVING: $1.73

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce – $0.76
½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth – $0.37
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup – $0.33
1 teaspoon sesame oil – $0.10
1 Tbsp corn starch – $0.03
1 lb. boneless, skinless, chicken breast – $2.21
¼ teaspoon kosher salt – $0.01
¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper – $0.02
¾ cup onion – $0.18
2-3 garlic cloves – $0.15
1 teaspoon chopped ginger – $0.11
12 oz broccoli florets – $2.49
1 teaspoon sesame seeds – $0.18

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

1.) First, make sure you have all of your ingredients ready. This recipe is whipped up quickly. When ready, add the thinly-sliced chicken breast to a mixing bowl; season with salt, and pepper, set aside.

2.) Make the soy sauce glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, add vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and pure maple syrup. Microwave for one minute. Next, whisk in the corn starch; set the sauce aside.

3.) Brown the chicken. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, drizzle in the olive oil. Swirl the pan to ensure the bottom is fully coated.

Then, add the chicken to the hot pan spacing out the pieces.
Once you place the chicken in the pan, do not touch! This will allow the chicken to get nice and golden brown on the bottom.
Once the bottom browns, flip the chicken over to get the other side golden brown; about 4-5 minutes in total time.
When ready, remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a dish.

4.) Next, make the soy sauce glaze. In the same pan, drizzle in more oil. Add the finely diced onion, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until aromatic.

5.) Put it all together. Finally, add in the warm soy sauce glaze we microwaved to the pan. Cook until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the chicken and broccoli to the soy glaze. Stir-fry until the broccoli has softened to the desired consistency.

Chop sticks picking up some chicken and broccoli.

Recipe Variations

Do you not have chicken breasts? Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins instead.

What can I use instead of soy sauce? Coconut Aminos is a great alternative to soy sauce.

Don’t want onions? Simply leave it out or use shallots for a more mild taste.

Storage Tips

SERVE: You can keep the Chinese chicken and broccoli out for about two hours before it needs to be covered and refrigerated.

STORE: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

FREEZE: While you can freeze this recipe, I do not recommend it because the broccoli is discolored and limp once it’s defrosted and reheated.

Recipe FAQ’s

What is Chinese brown sauce made of?

Brown sauce is made with some sort of broth and a few other flavors. My recipe calls for soy sauce, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and sesame oil. After combining the ingredients, corn starch is then whisked into the sauce to help thicken it up a bit.

Is Chinese broccoli and chicken healthy?

Yes! This is a great healthy meal that everyone enjoys. With only 237 calories per serving, the chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the broccoli is a green vegetable with high nutritional value. And making it at home, where you control the ingredients, ensures you are eating more healthily!

The finished Chinese Chicken and Broccoli in a white serving bowl.

Read the recipe from start to finish. You will better understand the flow of the recipe and identify any unfamiliar words or methods.

Shop for the ingredients beforehand. When you shop ahead, you are less likely to swap out ingredients for what you don’t have, thus creating a complete recipe fail!

More Chicken and Poultry Recipes

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a comment below and an honest rating. ♡

This recipe was adapted from Skinnytaste with heavy modifications made.