Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Chicken and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender chicken thigh pieces marinated in a savory honey-soy mixture, combined with crisp broccoli florets cooked to vibrant perfection. This balanced and easy dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served with steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
Vegetables and Sauces
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 crown broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water if unavailable)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
Cooking Oils
- 2 tbsp cooking oil, separated
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the boneless chicken thigh pieces with honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for enhanced flavor penetration.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken along with the chopped garlic and stir-fry for approximately 5 minutes. Cook until the chicken is mostly browned but not fully cooked to ensure tenderness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Pour in the chicken broth and add the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and allow the broccoli to steam for 1 minute on medium heat, helping it soften while retaining its bright green hue.
- Stir-fry the Broccoli: Remove the lid and continue to stir-fry the broccoli for another 2 minutes until it becomes tender but still crisp. This step intensifies the flavor and texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the partially cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Add oyster sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together on medium-high heat to ensure all flavors meld and the chicken finishes cooking through, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and season with salt to taste if necessary. Serve hot, ideally accompanied by steamed white rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight can significantly enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Use chicken broth for more depth; water is an acceptable substitute in a pinch.
- Adjust oyster sauce and soy sauce amounts to control saltiness.
- Ensure not to overcook broccoli; it should be vibrant and crisp-tender.
- This recipe can be adapted for other proteins like beef or tofu.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
