Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Enjoy a takeout classic at home with honey sesame chicken and broccoli. Tender chicken is lightly coated and pan browned then simmered in a glossy sweet glaze with steamed broccoli. The flavor hits every note from rich sesame oil to sharp vinegar and warm ginger. It is the perfect weeknight fix when you crave something cozy flavorful and fast.

I threw this together the first time when I was missing my favorite takeout and needed something fast. Ever since then my family insists it makes an appearance on easy dinner nights. No one ever guesses it is lightened up

• Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: brings that signature salty tang without overloading on sodium Look for brands with shorter ingredient lists and no added sugar
• Water: helps thin out the sauce so each bite is coated but not sticky and cloying Feel free to use filtered water for a clean taste
• Sesame oil: adds unmistakable toasted flavor Toasted varieties are dark in color and smell fragrant
• Honey: gives sweetness and helps create the glaze Opt for local honey if possible for extra floral notes
• Rice vinegar: gives sharpness to cut the sweetness Use unseasoned rice vinegar to avoid extra salt and sugar
• Fresh ginger: supplies a hint of spice and warmth Always choose plump pieces and peel before using for the brightest flavor
• Garlic: builds a savory backbone to the sauce Go for fresh cloves that are firm and without green sprouts
• Sesame seeds: offer a little crunch and pretty speckled finish Toast them for more flavor if you like
• Cornstarch or arrowroot flour: thickens the glaze Use arrowroot if you prefer grain free or gluten free
• All purpose flour: helps lightly bread the chicken Use a good quality flour or gluten free blend if needed
• Salt and pepper: enhances every layer of the dish Sea salt or kosher salt have pure flavor without bitterness
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: is lean and soaks up the marinade Choose firm chicken with no gray spots for the juiciest results
• Olive oil: keeps the breading golden and not greasy Cold pressed extra virgin is ideal for flavor
• Broccoli florets: add fiber crunch and color Fresh broccoli is best but frozen works in a pinch if drained well
• Green onions: offer bright color and a mild onion finish Snip just before serving for the most flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Steam the Broccoli:

Fill a large pot with two or three inches of water and add the broccoli along with one teaspoon of salt Place the lid on and bring to a simmer over medium low heat Cook for six minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender crisp Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce or coconut aminos water sesame oil honey rice vinegar freshly grated ginger minced garlic cornstarch and sesame seeds Mix until the cornstarch dissolves and the sauce looks cloudy This step gives the sauce its craveworthy silkiness

Prepare the Chicken:

Dice boneless skinless chicken breast into bite sized pieces Place them in a large zip top plastic bag In a separate bowl whisk together cornstarch flour salt and pepper Sprinkle this mixture into the bag over the chicken Seal and shake well so every piece gets coated and ready for browning

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat When the oil looks thin and shimmery but not smoking lay the chicken in a single layer Let it sit undisturbed for two or three minutes so it develops a golden crisp exterior Turn each piece carefully so every side gets golden and the chicken is cooked all the way through with no pink in the center

Cook the Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium low and pour the prepared sauce over the hot chicken Stir so all pieces get coated Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer Cook stirring occasionally until it thickens and glazes the chicken Remove from heat so it stays glossy and does not overcook

Toss Chicken and Broccoli Together:

If your pan is roomy add the drained broccoli into the skillet with the chicken Use a wide spatula to gently fold everything together so every piece is coated with sauce If your pan is crowded combine everything in a large bowl Toss well Sprinkle chopped green onions over top and serve warm

My favorite part is always the sticky honey sesame glaze I love drizzling every last drop on my rice The smell of toasted sesame and ginger always fills the kitchen and reminds me of cozy weekends at home making fakeout takeout with my little ones One time the whole family argued over the last serving and I knew it was an official crowd pleaser

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days I find it reheats best in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce Avoid freezing since the sauce and broccoli can become watery and lose their texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are avoiding soy use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and add a pinch more salt For a grain free or gluten free version swap all purpose flour for your favorite blend and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch Frozen broccoli florets work if steamed gently and drained well before adding to the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Spoon this honey sesame chicken and broccoli over bowls of steamed rice for a classic takeout feel It is also great with brown rice quinoa or even tossed into cold noodle salads I love adding a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds and green onions on top for crunch

Cultural Context

Sesame chicken is a staple of American Chinese restaurants but at home you can control the oil and sugar to make it lighter and weeknight friendly The signature sweet and savory glaze is what makes it so craveworthy

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative. They’re slightly sweeter and less salty, so adjust the salt to balance flavor.

→ What’s the best way to keep broccoli crisp?

Steam it until just tender-crisp and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps it bright and firm.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli florets work well. Steam lightly and drain thoroughly before combining with the chicken and sauce.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently to preserve the glaze and texture.

→ How do I make it gluten-free?

Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to keep it gluten-free.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. They stay juicy and flavorful but may need slightly more cook time to be done through.