why make this recipe

Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the crunch of sesame seeds and fresh broccoli. This recipe is not only tasty but also provides a good balance of protein and greens. It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

how to make Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Ingredients:

60 millilitres low sodium soy sauce
30 millilitres water
22 millilitres toasted sesame oil
45 millilitres honey
15 millilitres 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 plain flour
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
450–680 grams boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 2–4 centimetre pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups broccoli florets (approximately 2 heads)
2 whole green onions, diced

Directions:

Fill a large pot with 5–7 centimetres of water. Add the broccoli florets and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and steam for 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds until the mixture is smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, plain flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to a large plastic bag, sprinkle with the flour mixture, seal the bag, and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Sear for 2–3 minutes without turning until golden, then flip to brown all sides. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no pink remains in the center.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Toss to coat, bring to a simmer, and stir until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken. Remove from the heat.
If there is space in the skillet, add the broccoli and gently fold it in until evenly distributed. If not, combine the chicken and broccoli in a large bowl. Top with diced green onions and serve immediately while hot.

how to serve Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli warm, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles. It makes for a fantastic main dish that pairs well with a simple side salad.

how to store Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving again.

tips to make Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and texture.
If you like it spicier, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; steaming it for just the right time gives it a perfect crunch!

variation

You can replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. The cooking method remains the same, but adjust the cooking time for shrimp and tofu as needed.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium soy sauce?
A1: Yes, but the dish may be saltier, so adjust the amount of salt added accordingly.

Q2: What can I substitute for honey?
A2: Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as alternatives for a similar sweetness.

Q3: Can I make this dish in advance?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance but add the broccoli just before serving for the best texture.