Why You’ll Love This Quick Hoisin Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a culinary journey in a single pan. The first time I tried hoisin sauce, I was instantly captivated by its unique flavor profile, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen for Asian-inspired dishes. This Cantonese sauce, primarily made from fermented soybean paste, offers a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Combining the distinctive taste of hoisin with fresh ginger and savory soy sauce creates an authentic Asian flair that’s both comforting and exciting. What makes this particular stir fry a standout is its incredible simplicity and speed. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table, perfect for beating the dinner rush. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to experiment with additional vegetables, swap out proteins, or adjust the spice level to perfectly match your family’s preferences. Trust me, once you make this easy chicken and broccoli stir fry, it will become a regular in your rotation!

The Magic of Hoisin Sauce in Stir Fries

Hoisin sauce is often referred to as Chinese barbecue sauce, and for good reason. Its thick, dark, and intensely flavorful nature makes it ideal for marinades, dipping sauces, and, of course, stir-fries. Beyond soybean paste, it typically includes ingredients like garlic, vinegar, sugar, chili, and various spices, contributing to its complex and addictive taste. In this recipe, hoisin sauce forms the backbone of our rich and glossy sauce, ensuring every piece of chicken and broccoli is perfectly coated with a sweet and savory glaze that’s utterly irresistible. This makes it an essential ingredient for any authentic or quick Asian-inspired meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry

To create this incredibly flavorful and easy Hoisin Chicken and Broccoli, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Many of these are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up this dish any night of the week.

• Chicken Breast: We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein that cooks quickly. For an even juicier result or a slightly richer flavor, you can easily substitute with chicken thighs. Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are preferred for their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Cook them just until firm-tender before adding to the stir-fry to prevent them from becoming mushy. Frozen broccoli can also be used; simply steam or boil it according to package directions until crisp-tender.
• Aromatic Spices (Ginger, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper): These fundamental spices are crucial for building a deep flavor base. Freshly grated ginger adds a pungent, warm note that is quintessential to Asian cuisine, while garlic powder provides a consistent garlic flavor that complements the sauce beautifully. Salt and pepper season the chicken, enhancing its natural taste.
• Cornstarch: This is a secret weapon for achieving perfectly tender and juicy chicken in stir-fries. Coating the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying creates a protective layer, locking in moisture and giving them a delightful slight crispness. It also helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
• Japanese Soy Sauce: A high-quality Japanese soy sauce (like Kikkoman) provides a balanced salty and umami foundation for the hoisin sauce. If Japanese soy sauce isn’t available, Kecap Asin (Indonesian light soy sauce) or another light soy sauce can be used as a good alternative.
• Hoisin Sauce: The star of the show! This sweet, savory, and slightly tangy Cantonese condiment is made from fermented soybean paste. It’s essential for this dish’s signature flavor. While its unique taste is hard to replicate exactly, Kecap Manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) or even a blend of regular soy sauce and a touch of honey/brown sugar can serve as a distant substitute in a pinch, though the flavor profile will differ.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory notes of the soy and hoisin sauces, contributing to the glossy texture of the finished sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A small amount of apple cider vinegar introduces a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor of the sauce, preventing it from being overly sweet or heavy.
• Sunflower Oil: Used for frying the chicken. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for stir-frying. Vegetable oil or canola oil are also excellent alternatives.

Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting Your Perfect Hoisin Chicken and Broccoli

This stir-fry comes together incredibly fast, especially if you have your ingredients prepped. Here’s how to create this delectable dish:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a freezer bag or a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the cubed chicken breast to this mixture. Close the bag tightly (or cover the bowl) and shake well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. This step is crucial for tender chicken!
2. Cook the Broccoli: While the chicken is marinating briefly, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are firm yet slightly chewy (crisp-tender). Drain immediately and set aside. Overcooking the broccoli will result in a soggy texture, so keep an eye on it!
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken fries rather than steams. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Craft the Hoisin Sauce: Using the same pan (no need to clean it – the browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat slightly if needed. Add the hoisin sauce, grated fresh ginger, apple cider vinegar, Japanese soy sauce, and honey. Stir constantly, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for just 1 minute until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
5. Combine and Coat: Turn off the heat. Return the cooked chicken and the drained, crisp-tender broccoli to the pan with the simmering sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the chicken and broccoli pieces are beautifully coated in the glossy, aromatic hoisin sauce.
6. Serve Immediately: Your Hoisin Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is now ready! Serve hot with your favorite side.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration for easy, flavorful meals?

• You can find more delightful video recipes on my YouTube channel, perfect for visual learners!
• And don’t forget to save your favorite recipes on Pinterest. This way, you can easily find them again the next time you’re planning your meals!

Andréa

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