Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Recipe for Dinner Nights
Honey SesameChia and Broccoli recipe comes together as a meal that satisfies on every level, combining sweet and savory flavors in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.
Busy weeknights call for something quick yet special, and takeout cravings don't have to mean ordering in when you can make something better at home.
The balance of richness and freshness makes it suitable for family dinners and casual gatherings alike.
There's something about glazed protein paired with crisp vegetables that appeals across all ages and preferences.
Preparation takes less time than you'd expect, leaving more room to enjoy the evening.
Every bite provides that satisfying contrast of textures and tastes that keeps you coming back for more.
Dinner plans just got a whole lot easier and more delicious.
Why Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Hits The Spot
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Ingredients
Proteins:Sauces and Seasonings:Thickeners and Flours:Standard Cooking Tools for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Directions for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Steam Broccoli
Grab a large pot and fill it with 2-3 inches of water. Drop in 6 cups broccoli florets with 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a simmer, then turn heat low. Steam for exactly 6 minutes until broccoli looks bright green and crisp. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Create Sauce
Grab a small bowl and whisk these ingredients until smooth:
Prepare Chicken Coating
In another small bowl, mix these dry ingredients:
Coat Chicken
Place 1.5 lbs chicken breast pieces into a large plastic bag. Pour in the dry coating mixture. Seal and shake until every chicken piece gets an even, light dusting.
Cook Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil looks shiny, add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and continue cooking until all sides are brown and chicken is completely cooked through.
Combine and Finish
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour prepared sauce over chicken and toss to coat. Let sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Gently fold in steamed broccoli. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Smart Kitchen Notes for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Flavorful Options for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Serving And Pairing Ideas For Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli
How to Store Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Common Questions
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Steam the broccoli and cook the chicken separately, then combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and appear golden brown with no pink in the center.
Do I need special equipment to steam broccoli?
A basic pot with a lid works great – no fancy steamer basket required for perfectly tender-crisp broccoli.
Is this recipe spicy?
The current version is mild, but you could add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want extra heat.
Can I substitute ingredients if I’m missing something?
Swap soy sauce for tamari, use maple syrup instead of honey, or replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar without losing the dish’s delicious flavor.
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 23 1x
Description
Honey sesame chicken and broccoli brings together sweet and savory flavors that dance on your plate, making dinner feel like a delightful adventure. Crispy chicken coated in a glossy sauce and tender broccoli create a perfect balance that makes your taste buds smile with satisfaction.
Ingredients
Proteins:
- 11.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
Sauces and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 ½ tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
Thickeners and Flours:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt for steaming broccoli
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 2 whole green onions
Instructions
- 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.
- Whisk ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, 1 ½ tablespoons sesame oil, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a small bowl until smooth.
- Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in another small bowl.
- Place 1.5 lbs chicken breast pieces in a large plastic bag. Sprinkle the flour mixture inside and seal and shake until chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Flip chicken and continue cooking until all sides are golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour prepared sauce over chicken. Toss to coat and let sauce simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold steamed broccoli into the saucy chicken or transfer to a serving bowl and toss together.
- Garnish with diced green onions and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Steaming broccoli for exactly 6 minutes keeps it bright green and perfectly tender-crisp, so watch your timer closely.
- Coating chicken in cornstarch mixture helps create a light, crispy exterior that holds sauce beautifully and prevents meat from getting soggy.
- Letting chicken cook undisturbed for first 2-3 minutes ensures a golden, crisp crust that seals in delicious flavor.
- For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 23
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg





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