Chicken and broccoli with white sauce is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory white sauce. This flavorful and satisfying dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. In this article, we’ll explore a step-by-step recipe for preparing chicken and broccoli with white sauce at home, along with tips for customizing the dish to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make chicken and broccoli with white sauce:
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the White Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Optional:
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started with the recipe.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Season the thinly sliced chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and set aside with the cooked chicken.
Prepare the White Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved to create a slurry.
In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken and broccoli, add the chicken broth or stock. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper, mixing well to combine.
Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, usually 1-2 minutes.
If using, add the sesame oil and Shaoxing wine to the sauce, stirring to incorporate.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce, sugar, salt, or white pepper to suit your taste.
Combine the Chicken, Broccoli, and White Sauce:
Once the white sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken and broccoli to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve:
Transfer the chicken and broccoli with white sauce to a serving dish.
Serve the dish hot with steamed rice or noodles on the side.
See Also: Chinese Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Variations and Customizations
While the classic chicken and broccoli with white sauce recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to customize the dish to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and additions you can try:
Additions: Enhance the flavor and texture of the dish by incorporating additional ingredients such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or snap peas.
Spiciness: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the dish.
Creaminess: Increase the richness of the white sauce by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Garnishes: Sprinkle the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Protein swaps: Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist on the dish.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken and broccoli with white sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Here are some of the key nutrients provided by this dish:
Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins and minerals: Broccoli is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber, providing a range of health benefits including immune support and bone health.
Low in calories: This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for those watching their calorie intake.
Balanced flavors: The combination of savory chicken, crisp broccoli, and flavorful white sauce provides a balance of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Incorporating chicken and broccoli with white sauce into your meal rotation is an excellent way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dish that the whole family will love. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, this classic Chinese-American recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Leftover Ideas:
If you find yourself with leftover chicken and broccoli with white sauce, there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose them into new dishes:
Chicken and Broccoli Fried Rice: Chop the leftover chicken and broccoli into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them with cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick and delicious fried rice dish.
Chicken and Broccoli Wrap: Fill a tortilla or wrap with leftover chicken and broccoli, along with some shredded lettuce, sliced bell peppers, and a drizzle of white sauce. Roll it up for a satisfying lunch or snack on the go.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Combine the leftover chicken and broccoli with cooked pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and grated cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting and hearty casserole.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Stir-fry the leftover chicken and broccoli with your favorite vegetables and a flavorful sauce, such as teriyaki or hoisin sauce, for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
These are just a few ideas to help you make the most of your leftovers and enjoy new and exciting dishes using the flavors of chicken and broccoli with white sauce.
Storage Tips:
To ensure that your chicken and broccoli with white sauce stays fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and broccoli with white sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating it.
Freezing: If you don’t plan on eating the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them for later use. Transfer the cooled chicken and broccoli with white sauce to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating leftover chicken and broccoli with white sauce, it’s best to use gentle heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Reheat the dish in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
By following these storage tips, you can keep your chicken and broccoli with white sauce fresh and delicious for future meals.
See Also: How to Make Chinese White Sauce
Conclusion
Chicken and broccoli with white sauce is a timeless Chinese-American dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a savory white sauce, this dish is both delicious and nutritious, making it a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant-goers alike. By following this step-by-step recipe and incorporating your own customizations, you can enjoy this flavorful dish in the comfort of your own home. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor every bite of this classic favorite.