Honey Sesame Chicken Broccoli

Honey sesame chicken and broccoli is my go to way to enjoy the sweet savory flavors of takeout in a lighter homemade meal. Juicy pieces of chicken are coated and crisped in a skillet then tossed with bright tender broccoli and wrapped in a glossy honey sesame sauce. It is one of those recipes that tastes indulgent but comes together faster than most delivery orders and uses ingredients you likely already have in the pantry. Every time I make this for friends or family it disappears quickly and makes the kitchen smell incredible.

This recipe first happened on one of those nights when I was craving takeout but wanted something fresher My husband loved it so much he asked for leftovers in his lunch for two days straight

Ingredients

• Low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: brings that signature salty depth Look for varieties with just a few ingredients and no added sweeteners for the best taste
• Water: balances the sauce and creates an even coating Use filtered water if possible to avoid flavors from tap water
• Sesame oil: gives the dish its fragrant nutty backbone Go for toasted sesame oil the dark and aromatic kind for the richest flavor
• Honey: sweetens and thickens the sauce Use local honey if you can as it adds delicate floral notes
• Rice vinegar: adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness of the honey Choose unseasoned for clean flavor
• Fresh ginger: delivers a gentle heat and brightness Opt for plump unwrinkled roots and peel right before grating to keep flavors sharp
• Garlic: builds a savory base and complexity to the sauce Fresh cloves that are firm and white will pack the most punch
• Sesame seeds: add pops of crunch and a beautiful speckled finish Toast them briefly in a dry pan for even more aroma
• Cornstarch or arrowroot flour: thickens the sauce for that classic glossy texture Arrowroot works especially well for gluten free versions
• All purpose flour: forms a thin coating on the chicken helping it crisp nicely If gluten free use your preferred blend
• Salt and pepper: bring every layer into balance Use kosher or sea salt for pure taste and freshly ground black pepper for kick
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: soaks up the marinade while staying juicy Always pick pieces with no gray areas or dryness
• Olive oil: ensures chicken browns up with a golden crust Cold pressed extra virgin oil provides best flavor here
• Broccoli florets: bring fiber crunch and vibrant color Fresh heads are ideal though frozen florets work if you drain them well
• Green onions: provide mild onion zip and a fresh green finish Slice at the last minute to preserve their flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Steam the Broccoli:

Fill a large pot with two or three inches of water and add broccoli and a generous pinch of salt Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over medium low heat Let the broccoli steam for about six minutes until it turns a deep green and is just tender enough to pierce with a fork Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking and lock in the color

Prepare the Sauce:

Whisk soy sauce or coconut aminos water sesame oil honey rice vinegar freshly grated ginger minced garlic cornstarch and sesame seeds in a small bowl Keep whisking until there are no lumps and the mixture is slightly cloudy For a silky sauce ensure cornstarch dissolves fully

Prepare the Chicken:

Chop chicken breast into bite size pieces Place them in a large zip top bag or bowl In a separate small bowl whisk together cornstarch flour salt and pepper Sprinkle the dry mix over the chicken Seal the bag and shake gently so each piece gets an even light coating

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat When the oil slides easily across the pan add the chicken in a single layer Let chicken cook without stirring for two or three minutes to develop a golden crust Then turn each piece and keep cooking until all sides are golden and the interior is cooked through with no pink remaining

Cook the Sauce:

With the heat on medium low pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the golden chicken Stir to ensure every piece is coated Once the sauce begins to bubble gently stir occasionally until it thickens enough to cling to the chicken and creates a glaze Remove the pan from the heat before it gets too sticky

Toss Chicken and Broccoli Together:

Add the drained broccoli to the skillet if there is enough room or transfer everything to a big bowl Use a wide spatula to gently fold the chicken and broccoli together so every bite is evenly sauced Scatter the sliced green onions over the top and serve immediately while warm and glossy

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I always look forward to drizzling the leftover sticky sauce on my rice There is something so comforting about the smell of fresh ginger and toasted sesame filling the home When I made this for my kids on a lazy Sunday the leftover bowl was hotly contested so now I always double the recipe

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days Reheat gently in a skillet with a couple drops of water or in the microwave to keep the sauce smooth Do not freeze since broccoli and sauce can separate and lose their appealing texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to skip soy try coconut aminos and tweak salt for balance A mix of gluten free flour and arrowroot instead of all purpose flour and cornstarch works very well If using frozen broccoli steam it until bright and let it drain so your sauce does not get watery

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for that restaurant feel Leftovers work well over cold soba noodles or inside a warm grain bowl Extra sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions on top add nice crunch

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Cultural Context

This style of honey sesame chicken is popular in American Chinese cuisine so many takeout fans will recognize it Making it at home lets you control oil and sweetness and makes it lighter but every bit as craveable

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos provide a slightly sweeter and less salty alternative to soy sauce. Adjust salt levels to balance the flavor.

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

Steam broccoli just until tender-crisp, then rinse with cold water to halt cooking. Avoid overcooking to maintain its bright color and crunch.

→ Can I substitute frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli works well if gently steamed or microwaved and drained thoroughly before combining with the sauce and chicken.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce and texture.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Use arrowroot flour and a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken to keep the dish gluten-free without altering flavor.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking times to ensure they are fully cooked and retain a juicy, tender texture.