Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Chinese

Chicken and broccoli stir fry Chinese style was the very first dish I ever ordered from a takeout menu as a college freshman living off ramen and microwave dinners. I still remember the glossy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly crisp broccoli that made me think, this is what real food tastes like.

Years later, after learning to cook, I realized just how easy it is to bring that same dish home—without the MSG overload or the oily leftovers. Making your own Chinese stir fry recipe doesn’t just save money—it gives you full control over ingredients, flavor, and nutrition.

This simple yet iconic dish has become a weeknight staple in many American homes. It blends sweet and savory sauces with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—ingredients that turn your kitchen into a five-star wok station.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What goes into an authentic Chinese chicken and broccoli stir fry
• How to master the step-by-step stir fry method
• The best sauces—from classic soy garlic to bold orange glaze
• Delicious ways to serve and customize the dish
• Reader-loved twists and variations
• And expert answers to common cooking FAQs

Let’s dive into the wok and start cooking a dish that’s better than takeout—and ready in just 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Chinese Style

Essential Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Broccoli

When aiming for a classic chicken and broccoli stir fry Chinese taste, start with these staple ingredients:

These ingredients make up the base of most authentic Chinese stir fry recipes.

Optional Add-ins for Enhanced Flavor

You can enhance the flavor or customize the dish with:

• Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, briny umami
• Hoisin sauce: Sweeter, richer profile
• Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar: For mild acidity
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken sauce and coat meat

These optional ingredients help mimic restaurant-style flavor in your easy stir fry sauce.

Ingredient Swaps for Special Diets

If you’re following a specific eating plan, try these swaps:

Chinese chicken and broccoli stir fry

Brooklyn

A quick and easy chicken and broccoli stir fry with juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory brown sauce—just like your favorite Chinese takeout. (Gluten-Free Adaptable)To make it gluten-free, use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine, swap in tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce, and choose a certified gluten-free oyster sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 246 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thigh)

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Stir-fry

• 1 head broccoli , chopped into bite-sized florets
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger , minced

Instructions

 

• Slice the chicken against the grain into thin bite-size pieces, no thicker than 1/4” (1/2 cm), transfer into a medium-size bowl. Add the marinade ingredients. Stir to mix well. Let sit for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
• Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir to mix well.
• Bring 1/3 cup of water to a boil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until the broccoli just turns tender and the water evaporates, about 40 to 50 seconds. Transfer the broccoli to a plate. Wipe the pan with a paper towel held in a pair of tongs if there’s any water left.
• Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Spread the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Allow to cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until the bottom side is browned. Flip to cook the other side for a few seconds. Stir and cook until the surface is lightly charred and the inside is still pink.
• Add the garlic and ginger. Stir a few times to release the flavor and fragrance.
• Return the broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely and pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate immediately.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or boiled noodles as a main dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 9.8gSaturated Fat: 1.2gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 634mgPotassium: 512mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 3.5gCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Skinless chicken breast, oyster sauce, broccoli, dark soy sauce, white rice

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by slicing boneless chicken breast thinly across the grain—this helps it stay tender. Then marinate it for at least 15 minutes in a mix of:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

This simple marinade enhances flavor and helps the chicken sear better in the wok. You can also add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for a restaurant-style edge.

Pro Tip: Cornstarch locks in moisture, giving your chicken a silky, juicy bite—just like in Chinese takeout.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli to Keep It Crisp

Before stir-frying, blanch your broccoli florets quickly in boiling water for 30–45 seconds, then shock them in ice water. This keeps the color vibrant and texture crisp.

Blanching ensures your Chinese chicken broccoli stir fry doesn’t end up mushy or uneven.

Step 3: Stir Fry in a Smoking Hot Wok

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado oil works best).

Stir-fry the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 30–45 seconds before flipping. Once it’s about 80% cooked, remove it from the wok.

Next, add more oil and stir-fry aromatics (more garlic, ginger, scallions if desired) for 15 seconds. Then toss in the blanched broccoli and chicken. Cook everything together for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with a Flavor-Packed Stir Fry Sauce

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add your stir fry sauce:

Classic Sauce Recipe:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Pour sauce into the wok and stir continuously until it thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully.

You’ve just made an easy chicken stir fry with bold Chinese flavors in under 30 minutes!

Check out this tasty twist using stir fry noodles to give your chicken and broccoli stir fry a new life.

Best Sauces to Use (Classic to Modern)

The Classic Soy Garlic Sauce (A Takeout Favorite)

The most popular sauce in a traditional chicken and broccoli stir fry Chinese dish is a soy garlic base. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile.

To make it at home, mix:

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch slurry

This simple combo creates a glossy, thickened sauce that clings to chicken and broccoli beautifully. It’s a healthy stir fry sauce that doesn’t rely on excess oil or additives.

Modern Sauce Twists You’ll Love

Craving something bolder or more unique? These modern sauces offer a fun twist on the original.

1. Teriyaki-Style Stir Fry Sauce

Made with soy sauce, mirin (or honey), and garlic. Sweeter and more kid-friendly. Pairs great with sesame seeds and lo mein noodles.

2. Orange Chicken Glaze

Add orange juice, zest, honey, and chili flakes to your base sauce. Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy—a perfect contrast to bitter greens like broccoli.

3. Spicy Garlic-Szechuan Blend

Use chili paste, garlic, Szechuan peppercorns, and dark soy sauce for a bold kick. Ideal for spice lovers.

4. Bottled Sauces vs Homemade

While store-bought sauces offer convenience, many are high in sodium and sugar. Homemade versions allow full control over taste and health factors.

Making Your Sauce Healthier

To keep your sauce nutritious:

• Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Cut sugar: Swap with honey or monk fruit
• Add depth: Use mushroom broth or fermented black beans
• Thicken naturally: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch

These tweaks help you build the best Chinese stir fry sauce without compromising flavor.

Explore this ultimate guide to chicken and broccoli stir fry sauce featuring both traditional and healthy variations.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Classic Pairings: Rice and Noodles

There’s a reason Chinese restaurants always serve chicken and broccoli stir fry with fluffy white rice—it’s the perfect canvas for soaking up that glossy sauce.

1. Jasmine Rice

This long-grain white rice has a slightly floral aroma and a soft, non-sticky texture. It balances bold flavors beautifully.

2. Brown Rice

Higher in fiber and minerals, brown rice gives a nutty bite. It’s a healthier alternative and complements the savory sauce.

3. Lo Mein Noodles

Toss your stir fry over cooked lo mein or egg noodles for a slurp-worthy experience. Add a splash of sauce to coat the noodles for extra flavor.

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Alternatives

Watching your carbs? You can still enjoy your stir fry with these healthy options:

1. Cauliflower Rice

Light, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make, cauliflower rice mimics the texture of grains without the carbs.

2. Broccoli Rice

Made by pulsing broccoli florets in a food processor, this option doubles the veggie power while keeping carbs in check.

3. Zucchini Noodles

Also called “zoodles,” these spiralized squash strands are quick to sauté and perfect for soaking up that stir fry sauce.

Garnishes That Add the Final Touch

Don’t underestimate how garnishes elevate your dish—both in taste and appearance.

These toppings turn a basic chicken broccoli and rice combo into a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Here’s a healthy version of chicken and broccoli stir fry that’s big on flavor and light on guilt.

Variations & Reader Favorites

1. Two Plaid Aprons Chicken and Broccoli Copycat

Many fans of home-style Chinese cooking turn to the Two Plaid Aprons version of chicken and broccoli. Their method leans into lightly marinated chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a mild savory sauce that works for all palates.

To replicate it:

• Use chicken thigh for a juicier texture
• Reduce soy sauce to 1½ tbsp and add ½ tsp sugar
• Keep the sauce light for a more natural flavor profile

This copycat recipe feels fresher and less greasy than standard takeout and is a top-rated hit for weeknight meals.

2. Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli

Craving a sweet-and-savory combo? Orange chicken with broccoli adds a vibrant citrus twist to the classic.

To make the sauce:

• Juice of 1 orange + 1 tsp zest
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Toss cooked chicken and broccoli in this glaze, and you’ve got a dish that delivers zing, sweetness, and heat in one bite.

3. Spicy Chinese Chicken Stir Fry (Szechuan-Style)

If you love bold heat, go for a spicy Chinese chicken stir fry with:

• Chili garlic paste
• Szechuan peppercorns
• Dark soy sauce
• Rice vinegar

This version is numbing, spicy, and intensely flavored. Add julienned bell peppers or baby corn for more texture and color.

4. Extra Veggie Variations

If you want to bulk up the meal, toss in:

These additions increase volume without adding heavy calories—perfect for a family-style platter.

Try this classic chicken and broccoli stir fry—simple, balanced, and always a hit.

Conclusion: A 30-Minute Classic You’ll Make Again

Whether it’s your first time cooking Chinese food at home or you’re a stir-fry veteran, chicken and broccoli stir fry Chinese style is the kind of dish that never gets old.

With just a few pantry staples, 30 minutes of your time, and one wok or skillet, you’ve got a complete meal that’s:

• Healthier than takeout
• Packed with flavor
• Fully customizable

From soy garlic to spicy Szechuan sauces, from jasmine rice to cauliflower rice, the possibilities are endless. It’s a flexible dish that works with your schedule, your diet, and your cravings.

Don’t miss this roundup of chicken stir fry variations—from spicy to sweet to low-carb.

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FAQs About Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry