Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table, this Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a must-try. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and balances sweet, savory, and nutty elements in every bite. What makes this dish truly special is its vibrant color and texture, making it not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes!
Reasons to Try It
You might be wondering why you should consider whipping up this dish at home. Well, first off, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—great for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something tasty yet simple. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich honey-soy sauce coating will leave your family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can easily be modified to fit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this colorful dish brings both nutrition and flavor to your table.
“This has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights! My kids love it, and I love how quickly I can prepare it. Plus, the sweetness of the honey brings everything together perfectly!” — Emily, happy home cook
Preparing Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Let’s dive into the cooking process! This recipe takes a few simple steps to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also visually pleasing. You’ll start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown, then toss in broccoli for a vibrant crunch. Lastly, you’ll combine a sweet and savory sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken and broccoli. Here’s how it all comes together.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, make sure you gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
You can easily substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option or swap in your favorite vegetables for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil along with the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with broccoli. Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of your delicious chicken and broccoli.
- Serve: Enjoy your dish served hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli doesn’t have to be boring! For an eye-catching presentation, consider plating the dish with a swirl of sauce on the base and topping with green onion slices. You can serve it alongside steamed jasmine or basmati rice for extra flavor or pair it with a side of crispy spring rolls for a delightful Asian-inspired meal.
How to Store
To ensure that your leftovers stay fresh, store Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to retain the texture and flavor of the dish.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure that your chicken pieces are of uniform size, so they cook evenly.
- High Heat for Broccoli: Cooking the broccoli quickly at high heat keeps it bright green and crisp.
- Flavor Booster: For added depth, you might include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce for a spicy kick.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get inventive with this recipe! You can toss in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. For a healthier twist, consider using a low-sodium soy sauce or honey substitute for a lighter sauce. If you’re looking for a nutty flavor, add some chopped nuts like almonds or cashews as a topping.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Prep and cook time is about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even doneness.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
For a gluten-free version, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
With these detailed insights and helpful tips, you can now confidently make Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli for your next meal. Enjoy cooking, and revel in the delicious flavors this dish has to offer!
Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil along with the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with broccoli. Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of your delicious chicken and broccoli.
- Enjoy your dish served hot over a bed of cooked rice.
