Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Busy weeknights always call for quick but satisfying meals, and this honey sesame chicken and broccoli might just become your new favorite. Tender chicken breast gets a perfectly crisp exterior, broccoli stays green and bright, and the silky honey-sesame sauce hits all the right notes of sweet savory and just a touch of tang. I love how this dish feels both special and easy enough for any weeknight dinner.

One night when my kids were extra picky this recipe was a surprise hit. Now they ask for the honey chicken instead of takeout whenever broccoli season rolls around.

Ingredients

• Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: brings deep umami the reduced sodium keeps it from being too salty look for brands with a clean ingredient list
• Honey: adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize local raw honey will give you the brightest flavor
• Sesame oil: gives nutty richness choose toasted sesame oil for the best aroma
• Fresh ginger and garlic: are essential for real depth use freshly grated or finely minced for a brighter sharper flavor
• Rice vinegar: offers gentle tang and balances the sweetness opt for pure rice vinegar without added sugar
• Sesame seeds: for that classic look and extra crunch lightly toast them in a pan for more flavor
• Cornstarch or arrowroot: thickens the sauce and makes the chicken extra crisp if possible choose organic starch for best results
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: is lean and quick cooking cut into evenly sized chunks for even browning
• Broccoli florets: bring color crunch and nutrition fresh always works best pick crowns that are deep green with tightly packed buds
• Olive oil: helps crisp the chicken a light neutral-flavored olive oil works nicely
• All-purpose flour: adds just a touch of extra crunch to the chicken coating
• Green onions: add a fresh savoury finish chop both the white and dark green parts for balanced flavor
• Salt and pepper: are your base seasonings always taste as you go and adjust to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEAM THE BROCCOLI:

Fill a large pot with two to three inches of water and add one teaspoon salt drop in the broccoli florets Cover and bring to a simmer then turn the heat down as low as it goes Cook for about six minutes until the broccoli is just barely tender with a bit of crunch left Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to keep it vivid green

PREPARE THE SAUCE:

In a small bowl stir together your soy sauce or coconut aminos water toasted sesame oil honey rice vinegar grated fresh ginger minced garlic cornstarch and sesame seeds Make sure it is well mixed and set aside this is the backbone of your dish so stir out any lumps

COAT THE CHICKEN:

Place the chicken breast pieces in a large plastic zipper bag In a separate bowl whisk the cornstarch flour salt and pepper Pour this mixture over the chicken in the bag Seal the bag well and shake until every single piece has a fine even coating Give it an extra toss with your hands if needed

BROWN THE CHICKEN:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke Carefully lay the chicken pieces in a single layer Let them sear without moving for two to three minutes This forms that crisp golden crust Turn each piece and continue cooking until every surface is deep golden and the center of each piece is fully cooked with no pink at all

FINISH THE SAUCE:

With the chicken golden and sizzling turn the heat down to medium low Pour in your honey sesame sauce Give everything a toss to fully coat the pieces Let the sauce bubble for a minute or two stirring until thick glossy and sticking to the chicken Remove the pan from heat right away

BRING IT TOGETHER:

Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the skillet with the chicken or if the pan is too small combine everything in a big bowl Sprinkle chopped green onions across the top and serve everything hot and fresh

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the honey in the sauce turns into a glossy glaze that clings to every bite The combination of crisp chicken and bright juicy broccoli honestly reminds me of the best takeout nights but lighter and even tastier Homemade always wins in my house and my family always comes running when they catch the scent of sesame oil sizzling

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days If you want to freeze it for easy lunches just let the dish cool fully before packaging Broccoli is best if you undercook it just a bit if planning to freeze because it will soften upon reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten free and Whole30 compliant version Arrowroot starch works well in place of cornstarch for those avoiding corn You can use boneless chicken thighs rather than breast if you want a juicier texture For a vegetarian option try cubes of firm tofu pressed well to remove moisture and pan fried until crisp before tossing in the sauce

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is amazing served hot over steamed rice brown rice jasmine or even cauli rice for a lighter option You can add extra veggies such as snap peas or carrots for more color and crunch Top each bowl with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime for a citrusy twist

Cultural and Historical Context

Honey sesame chicken is inspired by classic Chinese American takeout favorites known for their sweet sticky sauces The combination of honey and sesame frequently appears in dishes from both China and Korea though this version is lighter and more weeknight friendly It is a dish that bridges cultures and brings people together at the table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep the chicken crispy?

Lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch and flour before browning ensures a crisp exterior, even when the sauce is added at the end.

→ What is the best way to steam broccoli?

Use a steamer basket or simply simmer broccoli crowns in 2-3 inches of water until tender-crisp, then rinse with cold water to retain color and texture.

→ Can I substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos are an excellent soy-free alternative that maintains the savory richness of the sauce.

→ How do I thicken the honey sesame sauce?

Stir in cornstarch or arrowroot starch, then simmer the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli pairs well with steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles to make it a fuller meal.