Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Recipe With Crispy Bites

Honey sesame chicken and broccoli provides comfort food that feels both satisfying and light at the same time.

The sweet and savory flavor profile makes it a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for casual weekend gatherings.

This dish provides takeout vibes right into the comfort of home, saving money while giving you complete control over what goes into every bite.

The balance of protein and vegetables means you can feel good about serving it to family or enjoying it solo.

It comes together faster than most delivery options and tastes fresher too.

The glossy coating and nutty aroma create an appealing presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

When you want something familiar yet homemade, this recipe provides exactly what you need.

Highlights of Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli

Highlights of Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli
  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: This dish transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal that feels special without complicated techniques, making dinner exciting for your whole family.
  • Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of honey, sesame, and ginger creates a balanced sauce that coats each chicken piece perfectly, ensuring every bite delivers maximum taste without overwhelming your palate.
  • One-Pan Wonder: By cooking chicken and broccoli in the same skillet, you minimize cleanup and streamline the entire cooking process, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Nutrition Packed Dinner: Pairing lean protein with crisp broccoli makes this recipe a smart choice for anyone wanting a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

What Ingredients Are Used in Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Protein:
  • 1–1.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Pick a fresh, tender cut that will soak up all the delicious sesame sauce. Cut your chicken into 1–2 inch pieces for quick, even cooking.
  • 2 Whole Green Onions: These add a fresh, sharp bite to your finished dish and make everything look super appetizing.
Coating Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch, 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour, 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: This dry mixture creates a light, crispy exterior on your chicken that helps the sauce stick perfectly.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce, 2 tbsp Water, 1 1/2 tbsp Sesame Oil, 3 tbsp Honey, 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar: These work together to create a balanced, tangy-sweet sauce that coats every chicken piece.
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (Finely Grated), 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced), 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds, 2 tsp Cornstarch: These add depth, aroma, and help thicken the sauce.
Vegetable:
  • 6 Cups Broccoli Florets: Choose fresh, bright green florets that will steam quickly and stay crisp in the final dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil: This helps create a golden, crispy exterior on your chicken.

Tool Overview for Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli

  • Large Pot (5-6 quart): Essential for steaming broccoli with a tight-fitting lid that helps trap the moisture and cook vegetables perfectly.
  • Colander: Critical for draining and quickly rinsing steamed broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Large Skillet (12-inch): Perfect for searing chicken and creating a delicious sauce with even heating and plenty of space.
  • Large Plastic Bag: Great for coating chicken pieces with seasoned cornstarch mixture without making a mess on your countertop.
  • Small Mixing Bowls (2): Necessary for whisking sauce ingredients and preparing the cornstarch coating separately.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and eliminating any lumps in the coating mixture.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping green onions and mincing garlic with precision.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurately portioning ingredients and ensuring balanced flavors.
  • Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Helpful for stirring chicken and turning pieces while cooking without scratching your skillet.

Honey Sesame Chicken Cooking Instructions

Honey Sesame Chicken Cooking Instructions
1

Prep Broccoli

Steam 6 cups broccoli florets in a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and simmer for 6 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

2

Make Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together these ingredients until smooth:

  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
3

Coat Chicken

Toss 1-1.5 lbs chicken pieces into a large plastic bag. In a separate small bowl, mix the coating:

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Seal the bag and shake until every chicken piece is evenly coated.

4

Cook Chicken

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet at medium heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and continue cooking until all sides are golden brown and fully cooked.

5

Add Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.

6

Combine and Serve

Fold the steamed broccoli into the chicken. Sprinkle with 2 diced green onions and serve hot.

Best Sauce Tips For Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli

  • Salt the water and steam exactly 6 minutes for perfectly tender-crisp broccoli that keeps its bright green color and crisp texture.
  • Whisk all sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, even flavor distribution without any lumpy cornstarch.
  • Seal the chicken in a plastic bag with seasoned flour mixture and shake vigorously to get every piece evenly and completely coated.
  • Let chicken sit undisturbed in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust before flipping.
  • Gently fold broccoli into sauced chicken right before serving to keep vegetables bright and prevent overcooking.

Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Flavor Builds

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace flour with gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a celiac-safe meal that keeps the same tasty flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressing and cubing it beforehand to help it absorb the delicious honey sesame sauce while maintaining a similar protein texture.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a zesty heat that transforms the dish from mild to bold without changing the core recipe.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener and skip the cornstarch, using cauliflower instead of broccoli to reduce overall carbohydrate content while keeping the meal satisfying.

Best Ways to Enjoy Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli

  • Serve Warm and Fresh: Grab a big bowl and pile the honey sesame chicken and broccoli high right after cooking – the sauce clings perfectly when everything is steaming hot.
  • Perfect Side Companions: Fluffy white rice makes an excellent base for catching all those delicious sauce drippings. Jasmine or basmati rice work wonderfully with this dish.
  • Smart Plating Technique: Arrange the broccoli around the edges of your serving plate and nestle the golden chicken pieces in the center for a restaurant-worthy presentation that looks effortless.
  • Crunch Factor Addition: Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top just before serving to give your dish a delightful textural contrast that adds a nice little crunch.

How to Store Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce separate if possible to prevent soggy texture.
  • Freeze individual portions in sealed containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
  • When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out during microwave or stovetop warming.
  • Store fresh ingredients like green onions and ginger separately in the crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in paper towels to maintain crispness and extend their refrigerator life.

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly. Just cut them into bite-sized chunks so they cook evenly and coat them exactly the same way with the cornstarch mixture.

FAQ

Do I need a special type of sesame oil?

Toasted sesame oil gives the best flavor. Regular sesame oil works too, but the toasted version provides a deeper, nuttier taste that really makes the dish pop.

FAQ

What if I cannot find rice vinegar?

Regular white vinegar or apple cider vinegar make great substitutes. They will provide similar acidity to help balance the honey’s sweetness.

FAQ

How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace the flour with more cornstarch or use a gluten-free flour blend. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari sauce to ensure the entire recipe remains gluten-free.

FAQ

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix the sauce ingredients and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just whisk again before using to recombine the ingredients.

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Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli delivers a quick weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. Tender chicken pieces glazed with sweet honey and nutty sesame sauce make this Asian-inspired dish a total crowd-pleaser your family will devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 11.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 12 inch pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 whole green onions, diced

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Sauce Components:

  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt for steaming broccoli
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Steam 6 cups broccoli florets in 2-3 inches of water with 1 teaspoon salt for 6 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.
  2. Create a smooth sauce by whisking ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a small bowl.
  3. Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Add this mixture to a large plastic bag with 1–1.5 pounds chicken pieces. Seal and shake until chicken is evenly coated.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook until all sides are golden brown and completely cooked through.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Pour prepared sauce over chicken and toss to coat. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer chicken to a large serving bowl. Gently fold in steamed broccoli and mix thoroughly.
  7. Sprinkle 2 diced green onions over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy your meal.

Notes

  • Steaming broccoli for exactly 6 minutes keeps it perfectly tender-crisp without losing its vibrant green color and nutritional value.
  • Shaking chicken in a sealed bag with cornstarch and flour creates an even, light coating that helps achieve golden, crispy edges.
  • Cooking chicken in a single layer and not moving it initially allows for a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sophie Lane

Sophie Lane

Recipe Developer

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Rouxbe Online Culinary School
  • Program: Professional Cook Certificate
  • Focus: Online culinary training covering knife skills, cooking techniques, and plant-based and modern cooking approaches.
Schoolcraft College
  • Certificate: Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on culinary education supported by experienced chefs, focusing on practical cooking and food preparation skills.

Sophie brings a calm and flexible approach to Families With Purpose. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, she creates recipes that feel simple, clear, and easy to make at home. She focuses on family-friendly meals, healthy everyday cooking, ingredient swaps, and beginner-friendly ideas. Sophie helps make each recipe approachable and easy to follow, especially for busy families who need meals that can bend with the day.

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