Chinese Chicken with Broccoli is a classic dish that combines succulent chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a flavorful sauce to create a harmonious and satisfying meal. As a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has gained popularity for its balance of textures and tastes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of making Chinese Chicken with Broccoli, from selecting ingredients to mastering cooking techniques. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this article aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to create an authentic and delicious Chinese Chicken with Broccoli dish.
Ingredients:
To embark on the journey of crafting the perfect Chinese Chicken with Broccoli, it’s essential to start with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking the broccoli)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Optional Additions:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Carrot strips
- Water chestnuts
- Sliced bamboo shoots
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Chinese Chicken with Broccoli.
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
The first key to a flavorful Chinese Chicken with Broccoli is marinating the chicken. This step infuses the meat with a delicious combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Here’s how to do it:
1. Slice the Chicken:
Start by thinly slicing the chicken breasts or thighs. This ensures quick and even cooking.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, or refrigerate for a more extended period to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
The sauce is the soul of Chinese Chicken with Broccoli, providing a savory and slightly sweet profile that complements the dish perfectly. Follow these steps to create the delectable sauce:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
2. Set Aside:
Set the sauce aside until you’re ready to use it in the stir-frying process.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Chicken
Stir-frying is a fundamental cooking technique in Chinese cuisine that involves quickly cooking ingredients over high heat. This ensures that the chicken remains tender while developing a beautiful sear. Here’s how to stir-fry the marinated chicken:
1. Heat the Wok or Pan:
Place a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Allow it to get hot before adding the cooking oil.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot wok. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken slices. Stir-fry the chicken until it is fully cooked and develops a golden-brown exterior. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
3. Remove Chicken from Wok:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Frying the Broccoli
The vibrant green broccoli is a crucial component of Chinese Chicken with Broccoli, adding freshness and a satisfying crunch. Here’s how to stir-fry the broccoli to perfection:
1. Blanch the Broccoli:
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the Wok:
Using the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.
3. Stir-Fry Broccoli:
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
Step 5: Combining Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
Now that both the chicken and broccoli are perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring everything together by adding the sauce. This step ensures that every bite is coated in the savory goodness of the flavorful sauce:
1. Reheat the Wok:
If needed, reheat the wok over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken back to the wok, along with any optional additions like sliced mushrooms, carrot strips, water chestnuts, or bamboo shoots.
2. Pour in the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir continuously to ensure that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serving Chinese Chicken with Broccoli
Your Chinese Chicken with Broccoli is now ready to be served! Follow these final steps to present your culinary creation in a way that is both visually appealing and delicious:
1. Plate with Rice:
Spoon the Chinese Chicken with Broccoli over a bed of cooked white rice. The rice serves as the perfect canvas for absorbing the flavorful sauce.
2. Garnish (Optional):
For added visual appeal, consider garnishing the dish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
3. Serve Immediately:
Chinese Chicken with Broccoli is best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is still tender, and the broccoli maintains its crisp texture.
See Also: Broccoli vs. Broccolini: What’s the Difference?
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully mastered the art of making Chinese Chicken with Broccoli. This classic dish not only offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures but also provides a satisfying and wholesome meal that can be enjoyed by family and friends. As you become more familiar with the process, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients and adjustments to tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences. May your culinary adventures continue to flourish as you explore the rich and diverse world of Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen.