By the time I glanced at the clock, it was already creeping past 6 p.m., and I hadn’t even thought about dinner. Emails were still unanswered, toys were scattered everywhere, and I was running on caffeine and chaos.
I opened the fridge, more out of desperation than a plan, and saw some chicken breast and a couple tired-looking broccoli crowns. Not much, but enough. I didn’t want another basic stir fry. I wanted something saucy, comforting, and kid-approved without spending forever in the kitchen.
It transforms humble ingredients into a dish that feels a little special, with crispy-edged chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. This Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli came together like a weeknight miracle: quick, flavorful, and a total family favorite.
Short Description
Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli is a quick, flavorful dish featuring golden chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory glaze with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame. Perfect for weeknights.
Key Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Chicken & Broccoli:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 green onions, diced
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Zip-top plastic bag
- Saucepan or large pot
- Colander
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Steam the Broccoli
Fill a large pot with 2–3 inches of water and add the broccoli with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and steam for 6 minutes, or until bright green and tender crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, sesame oil, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle the mix over the chicken, seal the bag, and shake until evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer and let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until all sides are golden and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
With the heat on medium-low, pour in the sauce. Toss to coat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
Step 6: Combine with Broccoli
Fold the cooked broccoli into the skillet if there’s space. Otherwise, gently mix everything together in a large bowl. Finish with diced green onions and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Bold flavor in under 40 minutes
– Healthier than takeout
– Kid-approved (yes, even the broccoli)
– Easily customizable to your diet
– Sweet, salty, and nutty balance
Ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overcooking the broccoli
Solution: Steam only until it’s bright green and tender-crisp, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and preserve its color and texture.
Mistake 2: Crowding the skillet
Solution: Cook the chicken in batches to allow even browning and prevent it from steaming.
Mistake 3: Runny sauce
Solution: Simmer the sauce long enough for the cornstarch to fully activate and thicken properly.
Mistake 4: Sticky chicken
Solution: Make sure the oil is fully preheated before adding the chicken so it crisps instead of sticking.
Mistake 5: Soggy texture
Solution: Leave the skillet uncovered while cooking so the chicken browns rather than steams.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve over jasmine or brown rice
– Pair with cauliflower rice for a low carb option
– Add a side of pickled veggies or cucumber salad
– Sprinkle chili flakes or extra sesame seeds before serving
– Great for a family style dinner or packed lunch
Storage and Reheating Tips
– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge
– Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the sauce glossy
– Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds at a time), stirring in between
– Not freezer friendly broccoli and sauce can lose texture
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier just trim excess fat and cook 1–2 minutes longer.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap the flour for more cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.
3. How can I reduce the sweetness?
Use 2 tablespoons of honey instead of 3, or add a splash of lemon juice to balance it out.
4. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes cook the components separately, refrigerate, and combine when ready to eat.
5. What’s a good substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar works well use just a bit less (2 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon).
Tips & Tricks
– Lightly toast sesame seeds before adding for more aroma
– Toss broccoli with sesame oil before combining to enhance flavor
– Double the sauce for extra drizzle on rice or noodles
– Garnish with crushed cashews or peanuts for a crunch
– Add chili paste for a spicy twist
Recipe Variations
Spicy Honey Sesame Chicken: Stir 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce into the glaze.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and pan fry until golden.
Extra Veggie Option: Toss in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
Low-Sugar Take: Use just 1 tablespoon of honey and add a splash of orange juice for natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s a real joy in pulling off a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli checks every box colorful, flavorful, and deeply satisfying without the need for a deep fryer or complicated ingredients.
It’s fast, fresh, and honestly, better than most takeout I’ve had. I hope it finds a place in your dinner rotation too and if your kids go after the broccoli first, well, that’s a win worth celebrating.
Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli
Print ThisIngredients
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- For the Chicken & Broccoli:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 crowns)
- 2 green onions, diced
Instructions
Step 1: Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Step 2: Whisk sauce ingredients together until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Coat chicken pieces with a cornstarch-flour mixture in a zip-top bag.
Step 4: Sear chicken in oil over medium heat until golden and fully cooked.
Step 5: Pour in the sauce, toss to coat, and simmer until thick and glossy.
Step 6: Add steamed broccoli, mix to combine, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.
