Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli – Sweet, Sticky & Comforting
There’s something magical about that glossy, sticky-sweet glaze that clings to tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli brings that takeout-style satisfaction right into your kitchen, minus the heavy oil and extra sugar. It’s quick, wholesome, and so satisfying that you’ll find yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan before it even hits the plate.
I remember the first time I made this dish on a lazy Friday evening. The aroma of toasted sesame oil and caramelizing honey filled the kitchen, creating that cozy, homey feeling that makes you linger near the stove. It’s that kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—sweet and savory, crispy and saucy all at once. And the best part? It’s done in less than 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or an easy meal-prep lunch.
Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli is the kind of dish that bridges simplicity and flavor perfectly. The chicken gets lightly crisped in a cornstarch coating, then tossed in a glossy sauce made of honey, soy, garlic, and ginger—balanced with a hint of vinegar for brightness. Toss in steamed or stir-fried broccoli, and you’ve got a one-pan wonder that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Toss them in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This creates that lovely light crispness when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Steam or stir-fry the broccoli: In the same pan, add a splash of water and the broccoli florets. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain any excess water.
- Make the honey sesame sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
- Combine everything: Pour the sauce into the pan with the broccoli. Add the cooked chicken back in and toss until everything is evenly coated and the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Finish and garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately over white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles for a full meal.
Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in oil until golden brown and set aside.
- Steam or stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for sauce.
- Combine chicken and broccoli in sauce, toss until coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- For extra crispy chicken, double coat the pieces: dip in cornstarch, then quickly in beaten egg, then again in cornstarch before frying.
- Want a little heat? Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
- If your sauce thickens too quickly, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
- Make sure your broccoli isn’t overcooked—keeping it crisp adds contrast and keeps it vibrant.
Variations:
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu cubes or seitan.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the cornstarch coating and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Nutty Twist: Add crushed peanuts or cashews for an extra crunch.
- Orange Honey Sesame Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice and a bit of zest for a citrusy touch.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or brown rice for a heartier option. For something different, spoon it over soba noodles or quinoa. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and extra scallions for color and crunch. It’s also great with a side of cucumber salad or edamame.
If you’re meal-prepping, portion the chicken and broccoli into individual containers with rice. It reheats beautifully for lunch and keeps its flavor for up to four days.
Storage Information:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw it and pat dry before adding it to the pan so the sauce doesn’t get watery.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes until cooked through, then toss in the sauce.
Q: Can I double the sauce?
Yes, and it’s worth it if you love saucy dishes—it’s great for drizzling over rice or noodles.
History / Fun Facts:
Honey sesame chicken is inspired by traditional Chinese-American cuisine, known for its balance of sweet and savory. The sesame seeds symbolize longevity and prosperity in Chinese culture, making this dish a festive and comforting staple. Over time, home cooks have adapted it into lighter, faster versions like this one—keeping the signature glaze but adding wholesome veggies like broccoli. It’s proof that good food evolves while still holding onto its roots of warmth and family-style sharing.
