Easy Chinese Chicken and Broccoli (Takeout Recipe)

This quick and easy Chinese chicken and broccoli recipe is tender juicy chicken and fresh crisp broccoli in a delicious savory brown sauce. It has a lot going for it that will make it a regular on your monthly meal rotation because it’s a great healthy option that only takes 30 minutes and is a dish the entire family will love! Try this easy stir-fry recipe today!

My family loves Chinese food. In fact, my kids beg to order Chinese takeout from one of our local Chinese restaurants several nights a week!

If you peeked into our dining area, you would frequently see us chowing down on some addictively delicious sesame chicken or indulging in our favorite orange chicken.

We also enjoy the occasional Orange Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps or Korean Beef And Broccoli!

Now I’m sharing another one of our favorite meals and one of my go-to weeknight dinner options: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli.

This easy recipe is bursting with flavor and tastes just like our favorite restaurant version of the same dinner. It’s even better than takeout and a simple but filling dinner to serve with some rice and maybe some fruit.

Seriously, this restaurant-quality dish is crazy easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights!

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Recipe Ingredients

I refuse to spend my time on complex or complicated, time-consuming recipes that use a bajillion ingredients. This Chinese Chicken and Broccoli only uses a few simple ingredients – many of which you probably already have!

• Chicken Breasts – boneless, skinless
• Broccoli Florets – fresh or frozen
• Water Chestnuts – sliced
• Mushrooms – sliced, optional
• Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce – Use Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, coconut aminos, or tamari sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce option
• Water
• Baking Soda
• Cornstarch
• Brown Sugar – light or regular
• Garlic Cloves – minced
• Flour – or cornstarch for gluten-free
• Rice Vinegar
• Vegetable Oil – or olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil
• Black pepper – optional

NOTE: Please check out the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for more recipe details!

How to Make Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

This Chinese chicken stir fry dish is simple to make – here’s how!

Step 1 – Make The Marinade

To make the marinade, whisk the soy sauce, water, baking soda, and cornstarch together in a small bowl.

Step 2 – Marinate The Chicken

Pour the marinade over the sliced chicken and let sit until ready to cook.

Step 3 – Prepare The Sauce

Whisk the ingredient for the sauce together in a separate bowl.

Step 4 – Heat The Skillet

Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the chicken and the marinade.

Step 5- Cook The Chicken

Sauté chicken until cooked through and golden brown, stirring frequently.

Step 6 – Add Mushrooms And Broccoli

Toss in mushrooms and broccoli – cover and sauté until tender.

Step 7 – Add Water Chestnuts

Stir in the sauce and remaining vegetables. Stir, coat ingredients evenly and cook until sauce is thickened.

Enjoy your better-than-takeout chicken and broccoli dish!

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Notes And Expert Tips

Here are some of my tips to make sure this chicken broccoli stir fry recipe turns out perfect every time!

• The best way to slice the chicken is against the grain. It is easier to slice this way and it will make your dish look like it came right out of a restaurant.

• If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can totally save yourself some time and use it in this recipe!

• Marinate the chicken for at least 15 – 20 minutes to yield moist and tender pieces.

• If using fresh broccoli, avoid using the thick stems. They will become hard and chewy during the cooking process so florets are best.

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little more cornstarch into cold water, stir, and add to the sauce until you reach the desired consistency.

How To Serve Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Rice – My favorite way to serve this dish is on top of a bed of brown rice or white rice such as jasmine rice, basmati rice or long grain rice. Cauliflower rice is perfect if you’re seeking a low-carb option.

Bread – Serve up a basket of delicious Pretzel Bread Rolls or Air Fryer Cheese Bread with this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli.

Dessert – Who doesn’t love ice cream? Our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream or Butter Pecan Ice Cream makes a great sweet dessert to top off your meal.

Variations Of Chinese Chicken and Broccoli To Try

• Chicken – I prefer to use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are delicious too!

• Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds. YUM!

• Substitute beef, pork, or shrimp in place of the chicken.

• Stir in snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots for added color and crunch.

• Toss in some unsalted cashews for a nutty twist on the flavor.

Make It Gluten-Free 

There are two key ingredients that you will need to change to make this recipe gluten-free.

You must replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour OR cornstarch.

Most brands of soy sauce are not gluten-free, so you must replace it with tamari sauce instead. Tamari sauce has a richer flavor than soy sauce and is also less salty.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Storage

If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, they are best stored in an air-tight container and placed in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or a skillet or saucepan on the stove.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli FAQs

Is there a suitable substitute for the rice vinegar?

YES! If you don’t have or can’t find rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes. They have about the same acidity level as rice vinegar, which will also give the recipe a similar flavor profile (although apple cider vinegar will add a touch of sweetness).

Should I steam the broccoli before adding it to the recipe?

Great question! I prefer to cut up the florets and add them directly to the pan and let it soften as the mushrooms and water chestnuts heat up. I think the flavors marry better this way.

If you prefer, you could steam the broccoli in the microwave or a vegetable steamer before adding it to the recipe at the end. Take care not to steam it too long as it will continue to cook more once it is added to the sauce.

Can I freeze this Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?

Yes, you definitely can! Be sure to store in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Once you remove it from the freezer, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.

Can I make the Chinese Chicken and Broccoli ahead of time?

You sure can! Simply keep it in the fridge in an air-tight container until you are ready to serve. I do recommend serving it within 5 days.

More Easy and Delicious Chicken Recipes To Try

• Chicken And Rice Enchiladas
• Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
• Easy Irresistible Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
• The Best Homemade Chicken Salad Recipe With Grapes
• Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs