Enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite with this Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Lightly breaded chicken pieces are sautéed until golden and then tossed with tender steamed broccoli in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. This dish brings the flavors of takeout to your table in a nutritious and budget-friendly way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The homemade sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the nuttiness of sesame, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken and broccoli perfectly. It’s a quick and easy meal, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Plus, preparing it at home allows you to control the ingredients, resulting in a healthier alternative to traditional takeout.

Ingredients

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tablespoons water
1½ 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 flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
2 green onions, diced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Steam the Broccoli: Fill a large pot with 2 to 3 inches of water and add the broccoli along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 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.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Set the sauce aside.
Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large plastic zipper bag. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag and toss to evenly coat all the pieces.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden. Flip the chicken to cook all sides until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared sauce over it with the heat on medium-low. Toss the chicken to coat in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sauce has thickened, then remove the pan from the heat.
Combine with Broccoli: If there’s room in your skillet, add the steamed broccoli to the chicken and gently fold to combine. If not, mix them together in a separate bowl. Sprinkle with diced green onions and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. To maintain the best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

FAQs

What can I substitute for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free?

Use coconut aminos or tamari sauce as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli florets can be used. Steam them according to package instructions before adding to the dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture to add heat.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.

What type of protein can I use for a vegetarian version?

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

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Author: Emma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a healthier take on a classic favorite with this Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Tender chicken and steamed broccoli are tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce for a flavorful, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

Steam the Broccoli:
- Add 2–3 inches of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a large pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Add broccoli, cover, and reduce heat to low. Steam for 6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Coat the Chicken:
- In a plastic zipper bag, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, seal the bag, and toss to coat.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes without stirring, until golden. Flip and cook until fully cooked.
Add the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat and simmer on medium-low until the sauce thickens.
Combine with Broccoli:
- Add steamed broccoli to the skillet or combine in a separate bowl. Gently fold to mix.
- Garnish with diced green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Additional Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.