If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting meal that comes together quickly, then this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The tender slices of chicken paired with crisp-tender broccoli bathed in a glossy, savory sauce are just pure magic on the plate. What really sets this stir fry apart is the extra sauce—rich, well-balanced, and packed with umami—that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that bridges freshness, texture, and bold flavor seamlessly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a fuss-free but deliciously impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce Recipe is straightforward but critical, ensuring that the dish achieves that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the bright green broccoli to the salty-sweet sauce components, every element plays a vital role in creating a memorable stir fry experience.
- Chicken breast (500g / 1 lb): Thinly sliced for quick and even cooking, tender and juicy every time.
- Baking soda (1 1/2 tsp): A secret weapon to tenderize the chicken without altering flavor (optional for thighs).
- Cornflour / cornstarch (2 tbsp): Used to thicken the extra sauce, giving it that irresistible silky texture.
- Light soy sauce (3 tbsp): Adds salty, savory depth with a subtle sweetness; feel free to use all-purpose soy sauce if you prefer.
- Chinese cooking wine (1 1/2 tbsp): Shaoxing wine or mirin for a touch of complexity and aromatic warmth.
- Oyster sauce (3 tbsp): Key to that extra rich umami kick that makes the sauce shine.
- Sesame oil (2 tsp, toasted): Just a few drops to impart a delightful nutty fragrance.
- White pepper (a dash): Adds a gentle, smoky heat without overpowering the dish (black pepper works too).
- Oil (2 tbsp): Use peanut, vegetable, or canola oil for high-heat sautéing.
- Onion (1/2, sliced): Offers a mild sweetness and a little crunch to balance flavors.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Fresh and pungent, garlic is indispensable for that irresistible aroma.
- Broccoli florets (400g / 14 oz): Broken or cut into bite-size pieces for the perfect tender-crisp bite.
- Water (1 1/4 cups): Helps in creating the extra sauce and achieving the perfect sauciness.
- White rice: Or rice of choice, to serve as a fluffy base for all the saucy goodness.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Tenderise the Chicken
This step is a game-changer for making the chicken irresistibly tender. If using chicken breast, sprinkle the baking soda over the slices and toss gently to coat, then let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing and drying. This process softly breaks down the proteins, ensuring juicy and tender bites. For chicken thighs, this is not necessary as they remain tender on their own.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Broccoli is the star veggie here, and cooking it properly is key. Steam or boil the florets until they’re just tender but still have a bright green snap—about 3 minutes in the microwave on high works beautifully. Make sure to drain well to prevent waterlogging, which could thin out your delicious extra sauce later on.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
Combine the cornflour with soy sauce first, stirring until smooth and lump-free—that’s your thickening base. Then add the cooking wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of white pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens; it gives you that extra sauce that’s rich, savory, and perfectly silky. Having this ready before cooking keeps the process smooth and quick.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, stirring quickly for about 10 seconds until the garlic just starts to turn golden. This step releases the fragrant oils and builds a flavorful foundation for the stir fry.
Step 5: Sauté the Chicken
Add the prepared chicken slices to the skillet and stir-fry for around 2 minutes, or just until the meat is opaque and cooked through. High heat is essential here to sear the chicken quickly, capturing maximum flavor while keeping it juicy and tender.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Sauce
Into the pan go the steamed broccoli, the sauce mixture, and water. Stir everything together vigorously and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. During this time, the cornflour thickens the sauce as it heats, turning it glossy and clingy—perfect for coating every piece of chicken and vegetable with that irresistible extra sauce.
Step 7: Serve Over Rice
The final reveal is so satisfying! Spoon generous portions of your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up that extra sauce, making every mouthful deliciously complete.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch and subtle nuttiness. A few chopped scallions or fresh coriander leaves bring a fresh pop of color and vibrancy that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You could also serve it alongside some crispy spring rolls or a light Asian-style cucumber salad to add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce Recipe inside lettuce cups for a low-carb option that adds a crisp, refreshing texture. Alternatively, toss the cooked stir fry with noodles and a drizzle of extra sesame oil for a delightful lo-mein inspired dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and broccoli will remain tasty and safe to eat for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind the broccoli might soften a bit more during storage.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen but it’s best to freeze without rice to keep textures optimal. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The stir fry will stay good for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce might slightly separate but will re-emulsify during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and refresh the dish. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway will keep the sauce creamy and even.
FAQs
What can I use instead of chicken breast?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They are naturally tender and flavorful and don’t require tenderising with baking soda, making prep even quicker.
Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to press tofu well and pan-fry until golden before adding the sauce for great texture.
Why do you add baking soda to the chicken?
Baking soda raises the pH on the meat’s surface, which helps break down proteins, resulting in super tender, juicy chicken. It’s a common technique in Chinese cooking, especially for lean meats like breast.
Is oyster sauce vegetarian?
Traditional oyster sauce contains oysters, so it’s not vegetarian. However, vegetarian oyster sauces made from mushrooms are widely available and work just as well in this recipe.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornflour by half a teaspoon and mix well before adding. For a thinner sauce, simply add a bit more water or cooking wine until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry with Extra Sauce Recipe is a total winner—you get quick preparation, fresh ingredients, and a sauce that truly steals the show. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. Dive in, experiment with your favorite veggies or proteins, and most importantly, enjoy every flavorful bite. Trust me, once you try it, this will be on your regular rotation for good reason!
