Description
Chicken with Broccoli in Savory Sauce delivers a perfect harmony of lean protein and crisp vegetables bathed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Chinese-inspired flavors dance across your palate, promising a quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant quality directly to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup apple juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅔ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by seasoning with salt and black pepper, then thoroughly coat with of cornstarch, ensuring even coverage.
- Create a complex flavor base by whisking together apple juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Warm of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté broccoli florets until they reach a vibrant green and tender consistency, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer cooked broccoli to a separate plate.
- Elevate the skillet’s temperature to medium-high and add remaining oil, carefully placing seasoned chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior, cooking approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Craft a smooth thickening agent by whisking of cornstarch with of cold water until no lumps remain.
- Pour prepared sauce into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle boil, then reduce heat and reintroduce chicken, simmering until sauce transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
- Incorporate reserved broccoli and cornstarch slurry into the skillet, stirring gently to ensure even heating and sauce thickening.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Marinate chicken with cornstarch for extra crispy and tender texture that locks in juicy flavors.
- Create a balanced savory-sweet sauce using apple juice, chicken broth, and soy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Cook broccoli separately first to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture before combining with chicken.
- Use cornstarch slurry as a secret weapon to achieve the ideal sauce consistency without lumps.
- Sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal as a final garnish.
- High heat and quick cooking ensure chicken remains golden and moist without becoming dry or tough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1280 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg