Name: Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli - Quick & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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 ginger, finely grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1-1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-2 inch pieces; 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is a weeknight warrior, a culinary champion that consistently earns rave reviews at our dinner table. There’s something undeniably magical about the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that define this beloved dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes in pure satisfaction with every bite, a comforting embrace that’s both familiar and exciting. People adore Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli because it delivers restaurant-quality taste with surprising ease, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience. What truly sets this version apart is the irresistible glaze – a sticky, golden elixir that clings perfectly to tender chicken pieces and crisp-tender broccoli florets, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Prepare to fall in love all over again!

Ingredients:

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 ginger, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tsp cornstarch
1-1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot flour
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Preparing the Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Coating the Chicken

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready for its crispy transformation. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot flour if you prefer), 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure everything is well distributed. This creates a light, flavorful coating that will help our chicken get beautifully golden and slightly crisp when it’s fried. Now, add your 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces to this bowl. Toss the chicken gently but effectively, making sure each piece is evenly coated in the flour mixture. Don’t be afraid to use your hands here for best coverage. Once coated, set the chicken aside. This resting period allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken.

Making the Honey Sesame Sauce

Now, let’s create the star of the show: the delicious honey sesame sauce. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Next, add the 1 teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic to this liquid mixture. Stir everything until it’s well combined. Finally, in a separate tiny bowl or ramekin, mix the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with about 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce mixture. Stir this paste until it’s smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This cornstarch slurry will be our thickening agent for the sauce later, giving it that glossy, restaurant-quality consistency.

Cooking the Chicken

It’s time to cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot – this is crucial for getting a good sear – carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. You might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of frying it, resulting in a less crispy texture. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). As each batch of chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Glazing the Chicken with Sauce

Once all the chicken is cooked and set aside, carefully pour out any excess oil from the skillet, leaving just a teaspoon or so. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared honey sesame sauce mixture (without the cornstarch slurry yet) into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry you made earlier, stirring constantly. Continue to stir as the sauce thickens, which should happen within 1-2 minutes. You want a nice, glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Be patient here; if it’s too thin, you can always add a tiny bit more cornstarch mixed with water, but it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid making it too thick.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Now for the grand finale! Return all of the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the glossy honey sesame sauce. Let it simmer for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling beautifully to the chicken. Just before serving, sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the chicken and stir them in. These sesame seeds add a delightful nutty flavor and a lovely textural contrast. Your Honey Sesame Chicken is ready! Serve it immediately over steamed rice, alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables like broccoli (as implied by the name, though not listed as an ingredient to be cooked), or with a side of noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, nutty sesame, and a hint of ginger and garlic is truly irresistible.

Conclusion:

You’ve now learned how to create a delicious and satisfying plate of Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli! This recipe is designed to be both approachable for home cooks and bursting with authentic, craveable flavors. The sweet and savory glaze clinging to tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli is truly a winning combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or the sesame oil to your personal preference, making this dish truly your own. For serving, I love to pair it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that incredible sauce, or for a lighter option, with a bed of quinoa. Thinking about variations? Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or even asparagus. You could also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this fantastic Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can chop the chicken and vegetables, and even mix the sauce ingredients separately. However, for the best texture, it’s ideal to stir-fry the chicken and vegetables and then toss them with the sauce just before serving. Reheating may soften the broccoli and chicken slightly.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally recommended for their tenderness and ability to absorb flavor. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too, though they can dry out more easily if overcooked. Ensure you cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.