Tangy Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce Recipe Masterpiece

Every home cook dreams of a chicken with broccoli in savory sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in mere minutes.

Tender chicken pieces dance with vibrant green broccoli florets in a silky, umami-packed sauce that promises pure comfort.

The combination of succulent protein and crisp vegetables creates a balanced meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Quick to assemble and bursting with rich flavors, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Grab your skillet and let the culinary magic begin—your taste buds are in for a delightful adventure.

How to Serve Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

• Serve Over Steamed Rice: Ladle the saucy chicken and broccoli atop fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into each grain for a delicious comfort meal.
• Pair with Crunchy Sides: Complement the tender chicken with crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw or quick-pickled cucumber slices to add refreshing texture and balance the rich sauce.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Enhance the dish's flavor profile by scattering chopped green onions, cilantro, or fresh parsley on top, bringing bright, aromatic notes to the hearty main course.
• Create a Complete Dinner Plate: Add a small side of steamed edamame or quick stir-fried vegetables to round out the meal and provide extra nutrition and color variety.

Storing Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Maintains quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave at 50% power, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's moisture and prevent drying.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare sauce and chop ingredients in advance. Store separately in refrigerator, combining just before cooking to maintain optimal texture and taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or planned lunches.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

• Chicken: Tender protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh boneless skinless pieces for quick and even cooking.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior and helps thicken sauce, ensures golden browning and smooth texture.

• Apple Juice: Adds subtle sweetness and helps balance savory flavors, use 100% pure juice for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and richness to the sauce, low-sodium versions allow better flavor control.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness, opt for traditional or reduced-sodium varieties.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces tangy brightness, enhances overall sauce complexity.
• Ketchup: Adds tomato sweetness and helps bind sauce ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy undertone, fresh grated offers more vibrant flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust aromatic base, fresh minced creates more intense flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal, toasted seeds enhance flavor.
• Broccoli: Introduces green freshness and nutritional boost, choose firm florets with vibrant color.

Equipment for Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for cooking chicken and broccoli with perfect heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp knife for slicing chicken and mincing garlic.
• Mixing bowls: Two bowls for preparing sauce and cornstarch slurry.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing sauce and chicken.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning and handling chicken while cooking.

Instructions for Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

• Flavor Foundation

Blend seasonings into chicken, coating each piece with a delicate layer of spices and powdery cornstarch.

• Sauce Symphony

Create a harmonious liquid mixture combining sweet, tangy, and zesty ingredients that will transform your dish into a culinary adventure.

• Vegetable Preparation

Quickly sauté broccoli in a hot pan until it becomes bright green and slightly crisp, then set aside.

• Chicken Transformation

Sear chicken pieces in a sizzling pan, developing a golden exterior that promises rich, caramelized flavors.

• Sauce Magic

Pour the prepared liquid into the pan, allowing it to bubble and reduce, creating a glossy coating that will embrace the chicken and broccoli.

• Final Fusion

Introduce the broccoli back into the pan, integrating it with the chicken and allowing the sauce to bind everything into a cohesive, mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Finishing Touch

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish, adding a subtle nutty crunch that elevates the entire meal’s sensory experience.

Cooking Tips for Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce

• Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect sauce coverage for every delicious morsel.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, from mild for kids to extra hot for spice lovers by increasing or decreasing the amount.
• Replace broccoli with snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers for a fresh twist on the classic recipe while maintaining the same cooking technique.
• Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef strips to create exciting variations that work perfectly with the savory sauce.
• Prepare sauce and chop ingredients in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 24 hours to streamline weeknight cooking and reduce stress.

Tender Chicken With Broccoli In Silky Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken embraces tender broccoli in this classic Chinese chicken with broccoli recipe. Home cooks discover a quick, flavorful meal that delivers restaurant-quality comfort with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch/2.5 cm pieces)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ⅔ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup apple juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsps vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tsps apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Generously season chicken with salt and black pepper, then meticulously dust with cornstarch, creating a uniform protective coating that ensures crispy texture.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk apple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until ingredients harmonize into a complex flavor profile.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Sauté broccoli florets in a skillet over medium heat until they transform into a vibrant, tender green, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.
4. Chicken Searing: Elevate skillet temperature to medium-high, add oil, and strategically place seasoned chicken pieces to develop a golden-brown crust, cooking roughly 3 minutes per side for optimal caramelization.
5. Sauce Integration: Pour prepared sauce into the skillet, bringing to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, reintroduce chicken, and simmer until sauce develops a glossy, slightly thickened consistency that clings beautifully to the meat.
6. Final Assembly: Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then fold back broccoli and cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Gently stir to ensure even coating and sauce thickening.
7. Presentation: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately, capturing the dish’s peak temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Maximize Cornstarch Coating: Ensure chicken is completely and evenly coated with cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates a perfect texture.
• Balance Flavor Complexity: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, creating a harmonious and depth-rich flavor profile.
• Perfect Broccoli Technique: Sauté broccoli just until vibrant green and tender to preserve nutrients, color, and crisp texture without overcooking.
• Sauce Thickening Precision: Gradually add cornstarch slurry while stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a glossy, smooth sauce consistency that clings perfectly to chicken and broccoli.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg