Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a deliciously balanced dish, combining crispy chicken pieces, tender broccoli, and a sweet-savory sesame sauce. This quick and easy homemade takeout-style meal is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for Asian-inspired flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great option for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with protein, veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to make it gluten-free or adapt to your taste preferences.
- Homemade Takeout: Enjoy your favorite restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot for gluten-free)
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1-1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 whole green onions, diced
Directions
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
- Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and add the broccoli along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a steamer basket if you have one.
- Cover and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Drain the broccoli in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds.
- Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add this mixture to the chicken, seal the bag, and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet and cook without touching for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Flip the chicken pieces to cook all sides evenly until golden and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and toss the chicken in the sauce. Bring it to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Broccoli
- Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything evenly.
- Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and use arrowroot instead of flour and cornstarch.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Include carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Rice Pairing: Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the broccoli for up to 2 months. Thaw and combine when reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add a bit more richness to the dish.
2. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, and cook the chicken in batches if needed.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be steamed according to package instructions and added to the dish.
4. What can I use instead of sesame oil?
You can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil, though sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor.
5. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version.
6. How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Mix the cornstarch into the sauce thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily—just ensure you have a large enough skillet or cook in batches.
8. What can I garnish this dish with?
Top with extra sesame seeds, green onions, or even chopped cilantro for added flavor.
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The chicken can be cooked and stored separately from the broccoli and sauce. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
10. What pairs well with this dish?
Steamed rice, noodles, or a side of egg rolls are excellent accompaniments.
Conclusion
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a sticky-sweet sesame sauce, it’s a homemade takeout favorite you’ll love making over and over. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy this Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, a sweet and savory stir-fry perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, crispy broccoli, and a flavorful sesame sauce come together for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Chicken and Broccoli:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Steam the Broccoli:
- Fill a large pot with 2–3 inches of water. Add the broccoli and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 6 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Coat the Chicken:
- In a large plastic bag, mix cornstarch, flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook all sides until golden and fully cooked through.
- Add the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and toss to coat.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Combine with Broccoli:
- Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce. Alternatively, mix in a separate bowl if the skillet is too small.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use coconut aminos and arrowroot flour in place of soy sauce and flour.
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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