Spicy Chicken With Broccoli
A spicy, savory chicken and broccoli stir-fry featuring bold flavors from garlic, ginger, chili, and bean sauce, ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with a kick.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. broccoli ⓘ
- 3 green onions
- 1 hot green chili (or 1 tsp. dried red pepper flakes) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown bean sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely chopped gingerroot ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 2x1/2-inch pieces.
- In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to marinate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more hot green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute brown bean sauce with soy sauce if unavailable. To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken for longer than 20 minutes if time allows. If you prefer a different vegetable, snap peas or bell peppers work well too. This recipe is a great way to explore various Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. A side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad pairs beautifully with the dish. For an added flavor boost, sprinkle fresh cilantro or sesame seeds on top before serving. This dish complements well with Lo Mein for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken's tenderness and avoid drying it out. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken With Broccoli contains roughly 740 calories, with 17g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating. For quicker defrosting, place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water. Once thawed, ensure to pat it dry before tossing with cornstarch and seasonings.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, omit the hot green chili and use a milder pepper, or replace it with a pinch of black pepper. Additionally, serving the dish with a side of plain rice can help balance the heat, making it enjoyable for those sensitive to spice.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli is a great choice, feel free to substitute it with vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).