Cooking is more than just preparing meals; it’s about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and making memories with loved ones. There’s something magical about the aroma of a delicious dish wafting through the kitchen, bringing everyone together. On a hectic night after a long day, a quick yet satisfying recipe can be a lifesaver. And that’s where this dish comes in. It’s not only a favorite in our house but is also a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that feels like a gentle hug on a chilly evening. This honey sesame chicken and broccoli recipe is everything you want in a weeknight meal; it’s simple to make yet impressively delicious. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how it fills your home with warmth and comfort.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with the right tools, and for this honey sesame chicken and broccoli, having the essentials will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. A large pot and a skillet are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. A good set of measuring cups and spoons ensures you get just the right amount of each ingredient, while a cutting board and sharp knife help streamline the prep work.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large pot for steaming
- Skillet for cooking chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Small mixing bowl
Why You’ll Love This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
This honey sesame chicken and broccoli will capture your heart in various ways, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. The sweet and savory glaze beautifully coats tender chunks of chicken, while the vibrant green broccoli florets add color and crunch. The textures contrast wonderfully, providing a delightful eating experience.
Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful, but it’s also versatile and can fit into any busy lifestyle. It takes only a short time to prepare and cook, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy and satisfying meal. The sticky honey and sesame sauce is so good that you might find yourself wanting to double the recipe just to have extra for dipping!
Here are some key reasons to love it:
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy nights
- Packed with protein and nutrients
- Wholesome ingredients that satisfy cravings
- Flavorful enough to impress dinner guests
- Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Ingredients
With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up this incredible dish that feels like a hug from the inside. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ 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
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 whole green onions, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this honey sesame chicken and broccoli is straightforward and uncomplicated. Just follow these steps, and you’ll soon have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
- Start by steaming the broccoli. Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water, add the broccoli and 1 teaspoon of salt, cover it, and allow it to simmer for 6 minutes. Once cooked, the broccoli will be tender and vibrant green, ready to pair with your chicken.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until smooth and well incorporated; this will be your delectable sauce.
- Coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. This step adds flavor and creates a wonderful crust when cooked.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking them until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes and will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.
- Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, pour the sauce over the chicken. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully.
- Finally, combine the chicken with the steamed broccoli in a serving bowl, tossing gently to combine. Garnish with diced green onions for a fresh touch and serve warm.
Fun Variations You Can Try
Do you want to shake things up a bit? There are loads of ways to put your unique spin on this dish! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and crunch.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
- Change the Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein choice that still soaks up that fantastic sauce!
- Use Different Oils: Try sesame oil with a touch of coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like cashews or peanuts for extra richness and crunch.
How I Love to Serve It
When it comes to serving honey sesame chicken and broccoli, I believe in keeping it cozy and inviting. You can plate it up simply in a large bowl, allowing everyone to dig in family-style, or arrange it neatly on individual plates with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flair.
Pair it with steaming white or brown rice to soak up all that dreamy sauce. The fluffy grains complement the sticky sweetness beautifully. You can also consider offering cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
For a special touch, serve it alongside crispy egg rolls or spring rolls, which add a delightful contrast to the dish. Lighting a few candles and playing some soft background music creates a warm atmosphere that makes the meal feel even more special.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
Cooking this honey sesame chicken and broccoli is a breeze, but here are some kitchen tips that might elevate your experience:
- Prep Ahead: You can chop the chicken and veggies in advance. This saves you time when you’re ready to cook.
- Stay Fresh: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. If you can, avoid pre-minced products, as they can be lacking in flavor.
- Monitor the Heat: Cook on medium-high heat to ensure golden chicken without burning your sauce.
- Taste Test: Always taste your sauce before pouring it over the chicken. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness per your preference.
- Keep it Crisp: If you want a crunchier chicken, try frying instead of pan-searing it in olive oil.
Important Cooking Reminders
When preparing your honey sesame chicken and broccoli, keep these important cooking reminders in mind:
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Let leftovers cool completely before refrigerating them.
- To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli; it should be tender-crisp, keeping its vibrant green color and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
This honey sesame chicken and broccoli dish is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrition. Here’s a rough idea of the nutritional breakdown for a single serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Common Questions You Might Have
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish. This will help maintain the texture and flavor.
What else can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, quinoa, or wilted greens like spinach. You can even put it on top of a fresh salad for a light lunch option!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and combine with the steamed broccoli for a quick meal!
Conclusion
As you sit down to enjoy your homemade honey sesame chicken and broccoli, take a moment to soak in the delightful harmony of flavors and textures on your plate. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that can transform a simple weeknight into a cozy family gathering. From the golden chicken to the vibrant steamed broccoli, each bite brings back sweet memories of sharing laughter and love around the dinner table. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home. Making this honey sesame chicken and broccoli not only provides nourishment, but it also creates moments worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, know that this dish holds the power to bring everyone closer, making every meal feel special.
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Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A quick and satisfying honey sesame chicken and broccoli dish, perfect for weeknight meals, blending sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ 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
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 whole green onions, diced
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli by filling a large pot with 2-3 inches of water, adding broccoli and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and simmer for 6 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. Whisk until smooth.
- Coat chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
- Combine the chicken with the steamed broccoli in a serving bowl and garnish with diced green onions.
Notes
Try adding bell peppers or swapping chicken for shrimp for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: honey sesame chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy meals, chicken broccoli