Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Recipe

Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Craving honey sesame chicken broccoli that satisfies your comfort food desires?

Succulent protein meets sweet-savory sauce in a crowd-pleasing meal guaranteed to impress hungry friends and family.

Weeknight dinner magic happens when simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Balanced flavors and textures make this dish a total winner for busy households seeking delicious solutions.

Perfectly suited for those who appreciate quick, flavorful meals that don't compromise on taste or quality.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a mouthwatering experience that will become a permanent fixture in your recipe collection.

Standout Features Of Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Standout Features Of Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli
  • Quick Family Dinner: A satisfying meal that comes together fast and keeps everyone happy with tender chicken and fresh broccoli coated in a delicious sweet-savory sauce.
  • Texture Adventure: Crispy chicken pieces paired with tender-crisp broccoli create a fantastic contrast that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Pantry-Friendly Cooking: Most ingredients are common kitchen staples, so you can likely make this dish without an extra grocery store trip, saving time and money.
  • Nutritious Comfort: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

What Goes Into Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Proteins:
  • 1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut these into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and quick cooking.
Dry Coating:
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch or Arrowroot Flour: This creates a light, crispy exterior for your chicken.
  • 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick and adds extra crispness to your dish.
  • ½ Teaspoon Coarse Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of your chicken coating.
  • ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to your seasoning.
Sauce and Supporting Ingredients:
  • 3 Tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos, 3 Tablespoons Honey: These form the base of a sweet and savory sauce that coats your chicken perfectly.
  • 3 Tablespoons Water: Helps thin and balance the sauce consistency.
  • 1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings a rich, nutty flavor to the entire dish.
  • 2 Teaspoons Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note to cut through the richness.
  • 2 Teaspoons Cornstarch or Arrowroot Flour: Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
  • 1 Teaspoon Freshly Grated Ginger, 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Creates a flavor base with warmth and aromatic depth.
  • 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for cooking and achieving a nice sear on the chicken.
  • 3 Cups Broccoli Florets, Fresh or Frozen: Adds color, nutrition, and a crisp texture to the dish.
  • 2 Green Onions, Finely Sliced: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright garnish.

Equipment Used for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

  • Large Pot (6-8 quart): Perfect for steaming your broccoli and ensuring even cooking with plenty of space.
  • Colander: Essential for draining the broccoli and rinsing it quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Large Skillet (12-inch): Your go-to pan for browning chicken and creating that delicious, glossy sauce.
  • Large Zipper Bag: Convenient for coating chicken pieces with the seasoned cornstarch mixture without messy hands.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking together the flavorful sauce ingredients until smooth.
  • Separate Bowl: Handy for mixing the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper coating for your chicken.
  • Whisk: Great tool for blending sauce ingredients and creating a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for getting the right balance of ingredients in your sauce and coating.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing other ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for mincing garlic, grating ginger, and chopping green onions with precision.

Preparing Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Step By Step

Preparing Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Step By Step
1

Prepare Broccoli

Grab your big pot and fill it with 2 to 3 inches of water. Toss in 3 cups of broccoli florets and sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the broccoli cook on low heat for 6 minutes until it’s tender but still has a nice crunch. Drain the broccoli in a colander and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2

Make the Sauce

Grab a small bowl and start combining your sauce ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and set it aside.

3

Coat the Chicken

Take a large zipper bag and toss in 1 pound of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix your coating:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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

4

Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden. Flip the pieces to brown all sides, cooking until there’s no pink in the center.

5

Add Sauce and Finish

Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and gets glossy. Gently fold in the steamed broccoli, making sure everything gets coated with the sauce. If the skillet feels crowded, transfer to a larger bowl. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top and serve while it’s warm.

Making It Better With Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

  • Shake chicken in a sealed bag with flour mixture for quick, even coating that creates a light, crispy exterior.
  • Let chicken sit undisturbed in the skillet for 2-3 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust before turning.
  • Whisk cornstarch into your sauce beforehand to ensure it thickens perfectly without lumps when heated.
  • Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and maintain bright green color.
  • Cook chicken, make sauce, and combine everything in the same skillet to minimize cleanup and maximize flavor.

Ways To Change It Up With Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Broccoli: Replace flour with almond or coconut flour, keeping the same measurement to create a crispy coating that works perfectly for your gluten-sensitive diet.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cutting into similar-sized cubes and following the same coating and cooking technique for a plant-based protein option.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and cut the added salt by half to make a heart-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on flavor depth.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture to give your dish a warm, zesty edge that adds excitement to the classic recipe.

Pairing Ideas for Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

  • Serve Solo: Plate this chicken and broccoli directly over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal that captures all those delicious sauce-coated flavors.
  • Perfect Side Companions: Pair with crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to balance the rich, sweet sauce and add refreshing contrast to your plate.
  • Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions right before serving to boost visual appeal and add a fresh, bright note.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making fantastic next-day lunch leftovers that reheat quickly.

Storage Tips That Matter for Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, keeping the chicken and broccoli together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Store extra sauce separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for quick reheating and adding extra moisture when warming up your meal.
  • Place cooled chicken and broccoli pieces in freezer-safe containers, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and freezing for up to two months.
  • When reheating from the refrigerator, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to help restore the sauce’s consistency and prevent drying out the chicken.

Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I substitute another protein for chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or even beef work perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein’s specific requirements.

FAQ

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Coating the chicken in the cornstarch mixture helps create a protective layer that keeps the meat tender and juicy during cooking.

FAQ

Is this dish spicy?

The current recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to increase heat if your taste buds enjoy a kick.

FAQ

What if I cannot find rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make excellent substitutes and will provide a similar tangy flavor profile.

FAQ

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the entire dish gluten-free.

FAQ

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce seems thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and slowly stir into the skillet to help it thicken faster.

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Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

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

Description

Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli brings Asian-inspired comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Crispy chicken chunks glazed in sweet sesame sauce pair perfectly with tender broccoli, making weeknight meals deliciously simple for your family.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dry Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce and Supporting Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced

Instructions

  1. Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a large pot. Add 3 cups broccoli florets with 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer covered on low heat for 6 minutes until tender-crisp.
  2. Drain broccoli in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process.
  3. Whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Place 1 pound chicken pieces in a large zipper bag. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a separate bowl.
  5. Add flour mixture to the bag, seal, and shake to coat chicken evenly.
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until golden.
  7. Turn chicken to brown all sides, cooking until no pink remains in the center.
  8. Pour prepared sauce over chicken in the skillet. Stir and simmer on medium-low heat until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  9. Gently fold steamed broccoli into the skillet with chicken and sauce. Transfer to a larger bowl if needed.
  10. Sprinkle with 2 finely sliced green onions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy or lose nutrients during cooking.
  • Use a cornstarch coating for the chicken to create a light, crispy exterior that helps the sauce cling beautifully and keeps the meat tender.
  • When cooking chicken, resist the urge to move it around constantly – letting it sit undisturbed helps develop a perfect golden-brown crust.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

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

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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