Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli is my favorite way to bring takeout flavors into a healthier home-cooked dinner. Lightly breaded chicken mingles with crisp-tender broccoli in a sticky sweet honey sesame glaze and comes together faster than delivery ever could. It is a perfect meal prep option since leftovers taste just as good the next day and it is always a hit with anyone who digs in.

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

Ingredients

• 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

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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

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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

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative, but expect a sweeter and less salty flavor; adjust salt to taste.

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

Steam broccoli until just tender-crisp and rinse with cold water to stop cooking; don't overcook to avoid sogginess.

→ Can I substitute frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli florets work well; microwave briefly and drain thoroughly before mixing with the chicken and sauce.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently for best texture.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Swap in arrowroot flour and a gluten-free flour blend for the breading to keep the dish gluten-free.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Chicken thighs can be used; adjust cooking time as needed for full doneness and a juicy texture.