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Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli

  

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

Sandra Myers Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken And Broccoli Print This
Nutrition facts: calories fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

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

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.

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