Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli

Imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze, paired with bright green broccoli florets that retain just the right amount of crunch. This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is the perfect balance of comforting and nutritious—a takeout classic transformed into an easy homemade meal. The aromatic combination of honey, sesame, and soy creates a sauce so delicious you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen in less time than delivery would take.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it delivers that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that satisfies cravings without being overly heavy. The contrast between the tender, juicy chicken pieces and the fresh, crisp broccoli creates a delightful textural experience in every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The gorgeous caramelization on the chicken and the vibrant green broccoli make for a visually stunning presentation that belies how easy it is to prepare.

Perhaps best of all, this honey sesame chicken comes together in under 30 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout. The ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, eliminating the need for a special grocery run. It’s also much healthier than restaurant versions, allowing you to control the sodium, sugar, and oil while still enjoying that classic takeout flavor you love.

Ingredients

For the Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking

For the Broccoli:

• 4 cups (340g) fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Honey Sesame Sauce:

• ⅓ cup (110g) honey (use good quality for the best flavor)
• ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: While both chicken breast and thighs work beautifully in this sesame chicken and broccoli recipe, thighs tend to remain more tender and juicy. If using breast meat, be especially careful not to overcook it. The key is cooking the chicken just until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature to maintain its moisture.

Perfect Broccoli Texture: The secret to restaurant-quality broccoli is blanching it briefly before stir-frying. Plunge the florets into boiling water for just 60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This process, called shocking, preserves the vibrant green color and creates that ideal crisp-tender texture that complements the soft chicken perfectly.

Sauce Consistency Matters: For that authentic, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and broccoli, mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth thickening. Add it gradually while stirring constantly, and allow the sauce to simmer for at least 60 seconds after adding to reach its full thickening potential.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This step is crucial for creating that restaurant-style texture—the cornstarch will give your Honey Sesame Chicken a light crust that helps the sauce cling to each piece. Allow the chicken to sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a small cup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ¼ cup water until smooth, then stir this slurry into your sauce mixture. This homemade sauce is what elevates your dish from good to exceptional—much fresher than any bottled alternative!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil if needed, then add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover for 1 minute to steam.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Stir continuously as the sauce heats through and thickens, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat the chicken and broccoli beautifully, creating that glossy finish characteristic of perfect honey sesame chicken and broccoli.

Step 6: Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with remaining sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal that rivals any takeout version!

Variations

Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: For those who enjoy a bit of heat with their sweet, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. The spicy kick creates a wonderful contrast with the honey’s sweetness, taking your Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli to a new dimension of flavor complexity.

Vegetable Medley Version: While broccoli is the classic pairing, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Try adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or water chestnuts for varied texture and color. Simply adjust cooking times according to each vegetable’s density—add harder vegetables like carrots earlier and quick-cooking ones like snow peas toward the end.

Vegetarian Adaptation: Transform this into a plant-based meal by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, then cube and coat with cornstarch just as you would the chicken. The honey sesame sauce works beautifully with these protein alternatives, creating a vegetarian version that’s equally satisfying.

Storage and Serving

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revitalize the sauce, and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through—overheating can make the chicken tough and the broccoli mushy.

For serving, the classic accompaniment is steamed white rice, which provides the perfect neutral base to soak up the delicious sauce. For a healthier option, serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice. To transform this into a complete Chinese-inspired feast, pair it with sides like vegetable spring rolls, a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, or hot and sour soup.

For an elegant presentation, serve your honey sesame chicken in a shallow bowl over rice, garnished with additional sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and a small sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color contrast. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds fresh flavor dimensions to each serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe. Thaw it first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Since frozen broccoli is par-cooked, reduce the stir-fry time to prevent overcooking.

Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent substitutes for honey, maintaining that essential sweetness. Brown sugar dissolved in a little warm water can also work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check that your sesame oil and rice vinegar are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as some separation may occur.

Why is my sauce not thickening?
The sauce needs to reach a simmer after adding the cornstarch slurry to properly thicken. If it’s still too thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add to the simmering sauce while stirring.

Conclusion

This Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh that satisfies without weighing you down. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between healthy eating and indulgent flavors, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday dinners. Whether you’re looking to break free from takeout habits or simply want to add an impressive yet easy dish to your repertoire, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and that irresistible honey sesame sauce creates a meal that everyone at your table will be reaching for seconds of.

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