Chinese Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli

I can’t tell you how many times this Chinese stir-fried chicken and broccoli has saved me, transforming my rushed weeknight meals from mundane to magnificent in just a few minutes. Today, I'm thrilled to share this weeknight dinner lifesaver with you!

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• ¼ cup, plus 1 Tbs low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp cornstarch, divided

• White pepper to taste

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Velvet the Chicken Start by mixing your chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce , and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. This technique, known as "velveting," is the secret to that tender, silky texture you love in Chinese takeout. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, white pepper and the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch. Set aside.

3. Heat Things Up Place your wok or large skillet over high heat. This is crucial! The high heat is what gives stir-fries their distinctive flavor and texture.

4. Cook the Chicken Add 1 tbsp oil to your sizzling hot wok. Carefully add the velveted chicken pieces, spreading them out in a single layer. Let them sear for about 1 minute without moving, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

5. Broccoli Time In the same wok, add the remaining oil. Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their aromas. Add broccoli and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it turns bright green.

6. Bring It All Together Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in your sauce mixture, stirring constantly. As the sauce bubbles and thickens, it will coat every piece beautifully. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is hot and well-combined.

7. Serve and Enjoy! Transfer your masterpiece to a serving plate and marvel at what you've created in just minutes!

Pro Tips for Stir-Fry Success

• Prep is Key: Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves fast!

• Keep It Moving: Constant stirring ensures even cooking and prevents burning.

• Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying.

• Sauce Thickening: If your sauce is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and add it gradually.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stir-fry over a bed of steaming white rice or noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top adds a nice finishing touch.