Chicken and Broccoli is a classic and wholesome dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce. It’s a popular stir-fry dish in Chinese-American cuisine and can be easily prepared at home. Here’s a description of Chicken and Broccoli:
Ingredients:
To make Chicken and Broccoli, you’ll typically need the following key ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used. They are cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is cut into florets, including the tender stems.
Garlic and Ginger: Minced garlic and ginger add aromatic flavor to the dish.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is used to season the stir-fry and create a savory umami base.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken for a glossy finish.
Oil: A neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, is used for stir-frying the ingredients.
For the Sauce:
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce provides a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce: Additional soy sauce is used for seasoning.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Preparation:
Here’s a general outline of how Chicken and Broccoli is prepared:
Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of cornstarch. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
Blanch the Broccoli: Quickly blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for a minute or two to partially cook them and enhance their vibrant color. Then, drain and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, mix together the sauce ingredients—chicken broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Add the blanched broccoli florets and the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together to coat evenly and heat through.
Serve: Chicken and Broccoli is typically served hot, either on its own or over a bed of steamed rice.
Flavor Profile:
Chicken and Broccoli offers a balanced flavor profile with tender and savory chicken complemented by the earthy, crisp broccoli. The sauce adds depth and richness, featuring umami notes from soy sauce and oyster sauce, along with a touch of sweetness and nuttiness from sesame oil and sugar.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger Chinese-American spread. It pairs well with steamed white rice or noodles and can be garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added visual appeal. It’s a comfort food favorite that’s both delicious and nutritious.
