What Sauce Is Used for Chinese Chicken and Broccoli?

Chinese restaurants often serve chicken and broccoli in a savory brown sauce made with soy sauce, broth, garlic, and sometimes oyster sauce, with cornstarch added to give it a glossy, lightly thickened texture. The exact recipe varies by restaurant: some versions are mildly sweet or gingery, while others are more savory, and a few restaurants serve the dish in a lighter white sauce instead.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating the typical chicken and broccoli sauce.

Brown sauce gets much of its color and salty, savory flavor from soy sauce and may also include oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil; it coats the chicken and broccoli without usually being as thick as gravy. White sauce is generally lighter in color and flavor, often relying on broth, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch rather than a generous amount of dark sauce, making it a good choice when you want the vegetables and chicken to taste more prominent.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating brown sauce versus white sauce.

For a simple brown sauce, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, a little oyster sauce, minced garlic, and ginger; add a small amount of sugar if you prefer the slightly sweet flavor found in some takeout versions. Stir cornstarch into cold water separately, then add the mixture to the simmering sauce a little at a time, stirring until it is glossy and thick enough to coat cooked chicken and broccoli.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating how to make a similar sauce at home.

If you want a classic takeout-style flavor, start with brown sauce and adjust the soy sauce or broth to make it as savory or mild as you like; for a lighter dish, try a broth-based white sauce with garlic and ginger. When you are in the mood for a different take on the same main ingredients, our Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta guide and recipe offer a pasta-focused alternative rather than a Chinese restaurant-style sauce.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating choosing a sauce for your meal.