Irresistible Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this honey sesame chicken and broccoli recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces glisten with a luscious sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.

Golden-brown chicken meets crisp broccoli in a delightful dance of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of ingredients that elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Saucy, glazed chicken with vibrant green broccoli creates a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home.

Get ready to impress your taste buds with this irresistible combination of comfort and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 5

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates a tender, juicy base for the dish, select fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal fat for best results.
• Cornstarch: Provides a crispy coating and helps seal in moisture, choose a finely ground variety for smooth application.
• Flour: Enhances chicken's golden crispiness, opt for all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate the chicken's natural flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum punch.

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness, select low-sodium version for better control of dish's saltiness.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and glossy finish, use raw or local honey for more complex flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty, rich undertone, choose toasted variety for more intense aroma.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness, look for clear, mild-flavored version.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, zesty notes, select fresh root for most vibrant taste.
• Garlic: Contributes robust, aromatic depth, choose firm, plump cloves without sprouts.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers delightful crunch and visual appeal, toast lightly before using for enhanced flavor.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable adding color and texture, pick firm, dark green florets with tight clusters.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish providing mild onion flavor and color contrast, choose bright green, crisp stalks.

Tools That Help with Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Large pot: For steaming broccoli with enough water depth.
• Steamer basket: Optional but helpful for even broccoli steaming.
• Colander: To drain and rinse broccoli after cooking.
• Small bowls: Two needed for mixing sauce and cornstarch coating.
• Large plastic zipper bag: For coating chicken with dry ingredients.
• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and sauce.
• Whisk: To blend cornstarch mixture and sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: For chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To dice green onions for garnish.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Cook Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

• Broccoli Preparation

Steam fresh green broccoli in a pot with water and salt until tender yet crisp. Cool down the broccoli quickly to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.

• Flavor Fusion

Create a silky sauce blending sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, aromatic sesame oil, and zesty ginger. Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

• Chicken Coating

Toss chicken pieces in a light dusting of cornstarch and flour mixture. This technique ensures a delicate, crispy exterior when cooked.

• Golden Searing

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown on all sides. The key is achieving a perfectly caramelized surface without burning.

• Sauce Magic

Pour prepared sauce over sizzling chicken, allowing it to simmer and thicken. Gently coat each piece to lock in maximum flavor.

• Final Touch

Combine tender chicken with steamed broccoli, creating a harmonious blend of textures. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and additional zest.

Smart Flavor Tips for Chicken and Broccoli

• Switch between chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders depending on your preference or what's available in your kitchen. Each cut offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the honey sesame sauce for an extra kick of heat. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch and flour to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal. Check all ingredient labels carefully.
• Swap broccoli with snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers for a fresh twist. Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly and cook quickly to maintain their crisp texture.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce mixture overnight for deeper flavor infusion. Store chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Beautifully

• Family Dinner Delight: Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that brings everyone together around the table, offering a balanced combination of protein and veggies that kids and adults will love.
• Meal Prep Champion: An excellent option for preparing ahead – store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner planning super easy and stress-free.
• Rice Companion: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious honey sesame sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Garnish Excitement: Top with extra sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a pop of color and extra layer of flavor that makes the dish look and taste even more amazing.

Storing Chicken and Broccoli Without Drying It Out

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up a double batch of this honey sesame chicken and freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Perfect for busy professionals or meal preppers looking to save time and enjoy delicious home-cooked food.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Safely store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The chicken and broccoli will maintain their flavor and texture when properly sealed and chilled quickly after cooking.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Chop extra green onions and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Keep pre-cut chicken and broccoli in separate containers for faster meal assembly during hectic weekdays.
• Reheating Rescue Technique: Gently warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery chicken and soggy broccoli textures.

Sweet Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering honey sesame chicken and broccoli delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from Chinese culinary traditions. Home cooks can quickly prepare this delightful dish with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
• 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
• 2 whole green onions, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsps honey
• 2 tbsps water
• 1.5 tbsps sesame oil
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Steaming Broccoli: Fill a large pot with water, place steamer basket, add broccoli with salt, cover and simmer on low heat for 6-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
2. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds in a mixing bowl to create a complex flavor profile.
3. Chicken Coating: Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a sealed plastic bag, thoroughly coating chicken pieces for a crispy exterior.
4. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, arrange chicken in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and fully cooked.
5. Sauce Integration: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour sauce over chicken, gently tossing to create an even, glossy coating, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
6. Final Assembly: Fold steamed broccoli into the chicken mixture, ensuring uniform sauce distribution and complete ingredient integration.
7. Plating: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, serve immediately while warm to preserve optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Steam broccoli precisely 6-7 minutes to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture without turning mushy.
• Coat Chicken Strategically: Use sealed plastic bag technique for even cornstarch coating, ensuring crispy exterior and preventing clumping.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to create smooth sauce without lumps, helping achieve perfect glossy glaze.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Allow sauce to simmer gently, stirring constantly to develop deep, rich flavor profile and prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg